As an extended version of the iconic rock documentary makes its way to UK cinemas for a single night, CLASH connects with filmmaker siblings Ondi and David Timoner to delve into its impact.
Few documentaries have captured the mayhem and excitement of band life as effectively as DIG! Created from more than 2,500 hours of footage filmed with both bands between 1996 and 2003, Ondi Timoner’s film offers a compelling portrayal of the fraught friendship and intense rivalry between The Dandy Warhols and The Brian Jonestown Massacre as they rose to fame. Released initially in 2004, it has become a cult classic, revered by music enthusiasts and artists alike.
Over the years, its reputation has only solidified, and with both bands still active and their stories forever linked, it is an ideal moment to reflect on their journey. DIG! XX introduces an additional 40 minutes of unseen footage and features new narration from BJM's tambourine player Joel Gion, making this version the ultimate cut and updating the narrative with fresh insights and discoveries.
The journey has been eventful. The film continues to stir debate among both Courtney Taylor-Taylor of The Dandy Warhols and Anton Newcombe of The Brian Jonestown Massacre. DIG! XX comes on the heels of Anton's welcome return to the stage earlier this year after a much-publicized confrontation just as the film was being finalized. Additionally, it coincides with the release of Gion’s remarkable memoir, In the Jingle Jangle Jungle, which sheds light on many moments depicted in this new version for the first time.
Paul Weedon spoke with Ondi and David Timoner following the film's premiere at Sundance in January 2024, discussing its legacy, the shifting perspectives of band members regarding the film over time, and some scenes that never made the final cut.
It's important to mention that since this conversation, significant events have transpired. Tragically, Ondi and David's homes were lost in wildfires in Los Angeles earlier this year. Although much of the raw footage was salvaged, Ondi shared with The Guardian that she discovered her Documentary Grand Jury Prize from Sundance 2004 amidst the ruins. DIG! XX has also undergone further edits since the version screened in 2024, differing slightly from what is being shown in UK cinemas.
—
—
What led you both to return to the footage originally?
Ondi: For years, my brother and I discussed what we should do. Should we just create an extended cut? Indeed, people had been asking for DIG! 2 for a long time, and they wanted me to accompany the bands again. But there are simply too many stories to convey in one lifetime. I had collected some fantastic scenes in the five-hour version I prepared before finishing the film, and I felt there was nothing I could cut. I worked on the original DIG! and David crafted this version, and many of those scenes weren’t in a polished state, but we experimented with them. David would edit, we’d test them, and see if they were good enough—if they matched or exceeded the original DIG! and added context.
And Joel Gion’s contribution was crucial as well.
Ondi: David was following Joel’s Patreon page, where he shared his writing before his book was underway. His stories intersected with ours. We frequently referenced events we documented, alongside those we didn’t witness. That sparked the idea of creating an animated series with Joel. We began discussing it back then. As the 20th anniversary approached, we had a revelation—this was a way to do something entirely unique. We could essentially remix it. It’s rare to see a cult classic re-release receive a fresh perspective from the other band's viewpoint. So when Joel agreed, it was very thrilling.
—
—
How did the project evolve from there?
Ondi: We started jumping on Zoom, collaborating which led to a wealth of new material—details we hadn’t realized or discovered in discussions among the three of us, where we’d go, ‘Oh, this should be included.’ With Joel narrating, we saw a chance to bring the story up to the present day. It was exciting to catch everyone up over the past 20 years—what a surprise that both bands are still together.
David: Yeah, and that they even performed together! We found ourselves saying, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool if this happened?’ and then it actually happened. I recall telling Ondi months beforehand, ‘I wish we could finish the film with them embracing,’ and then it unfolded… Everything began falling into place—like Joel’s involvement, along with significant events like the Melbourne incident. We had already edited the ending, believing we had concluded with a hug, signifying a happy ending and more success for Jonestown. But then that happened, and at first, I felt disheartened. Yet, it was a reality.
The Molotovs have launched their first single, 'More More More'. The band has been gaining attention over the past year, touring extensively in
FKA twigs, Little Simz, Empire Of The Sun (among others) are part of the vibrant lineup for Sziget Festival 2025. The festival takes place in a distinctive location in
Self Esteem is back with a new single titled 'If Not Now, It's Soon'. The Mercury-nominated songwriter's upcoming album, 'A Complicated Woman', is set to release on April 25th, featuring
The club-ready track presents an energetic yet unsettling examination of societal pressures and perpetual expectations.
.jpg)
The ultimate guide by DIY to the top new music.
With an extended version of the iconic rock documentary hitting UK cinemas for a single night, CLASH speaks with filmmaker siblings Ondi and David Timoner to