Further information on select works:

Breaking the Egregore - 2023 (35 min.)

A documentary exploring the esoteric idea of “Egregores”. The film goes deep into the ancient history of the subject, their influence on modern society, their role in creative and artistic development and the difficulties of overcoming their occasional negative grasp on humanity. Co-Produced by Author and Artist Maja D’Aoust, the documentary features exclusive interviews with Author Gary Lachman, Artist Maja D’Aoust, Author Mitch Horowitz, Filmmaker Isabel Sandoval, Energy Worker Kayma Englund, Paranormal Researcher Heather Taddy, Poet Mandy Kahn and more. The final part of the “Egregore” Trilogy which includes “Holywood” and “The Color of Music”.

Fragments of an Archive or His Buddy’s Dead Body - 2022 (10 min.)

An abstract adaptation of NYC Photographer Tom Jarmusch’s book of the same title. Gifted to Sell by the Photographer in 2022, the Filmmaker decided to adapt the book into an experimental moving image, utilizing an eclectic soundtrack and moving page by page - piecing the deeply personal diary together in a dizzying cinematic portrait. The Filmmaker would like to give a huge thanks to Tom Jarmusch for allowing this collaboration to occur.

Inner Urge - 2023 (12 min.)

An in-depth look into the recording session of acclaimed singer Marina Pacowski’s debut album. Featuring some of the most legendary LA Jazz musicians including Roy McGurdy, John Clayton, Brent Fischer and more. Coming soon.

The Color of Music - 2022 (47 min.)

Inspired by the Manly P. Hall essay “The Therapeutic Values of Music”, this feature length documentary dives into the healing possibilities of music and the positive power of sound. Featuring Mitch Horowitz, Maja D’Aoust, Meg Myers, Henry Wolfe, Matt Marble, Marina Pacowski and more. Made beside the Philosophical Research Society.

An Afternoon with Shelley - 2020 (4 min.)

A touching short portrait piece of one of the most beloved residents of Beachwood Canyon. Was filmed as a side project during the making of “Holywood”.

Holywood - 2020 (1:15 min.)

An extensive exploration into the esoteric and mystical history of Hollywood. Unknown by many, Beachwood Canyon, located directly underneath the iconic Hollywood sign is home to various significant spiritual and metaphysical institutions ranging from the Vedanta Church of Hollywood, Krotona of Old Hollywood and the Theosophical Society at Besant Lodge and many others. The film features archival footage rarely before seen as well as interviews with many notable scholars, artists and historians including the President of the Philosophical Research Society Dr. Greg Salyer, PEN award winning Author Mitch Horowitz, Spiritual Author Maja D’Aoust, Artist Michael Carter, Poet Mandy Kahn, Filmmaker Lian Lunson and many others. The film was made during the pandemic lockdown of 2020 in according to CDC guidelines and is now available to stream via the Philosophical Research Society’s official Vimeo page.

Peace Piece - The Immersive Poems of Mandy Kahn - 2018/2019 (1:15 min.)

A portrait of celebrated Los Angeles Author and Poet Mandy Kahn whose peace-based immersive performances work to unite and bring a message of peace to the community. Featuring footage from many of her significant performances including her massive Getty Center live performance, the film gives much insight to her work process. “Peace Piece” screened throughout festivals internationally in 2020 and is now available to stream. With special thanks to the Philosophical Research Society.

WATCH HERE

BUY DVD HERE

Words to the Wise - 2018 (5 min.)

A short homage to the legendary esoteric Author and Teacher Manly Palmer Hall. Made for the Philosophical Research Society and can be viewed on their official website: www.prs.org

When We Lived in the Desert - 2017 (8 min.)

Out of Print. A diary film made during the peak of a New England blizzard.

Dreams of Home - 2017 (50 min.)

Out of Print. An experimental diary film consisting of fragments from early home video recordings and travel diaries. Preserved at the New York Film-Makers Coop.

Dissection of the Artist - 2016 (10 min.)

An experimental short documentary on the surrealistic painter John Haverty. This film can be found online though it was never properly released at the time of completion.

Amongst the Waves - 2015 (4 min.)

Out of Print. A short surfing documentary made with a FlipCam. Segments of this piece can be found in “Tracking Issues”.

Living Like a King - 2015 (10 min.)

A portrait of Lower East Side’s Minister of Information John King. Now available to stream via “The Early Documentaries of Courtney Sell” through indiePix.

WATCH HERE

Tracking Issues - 2015 (50 min.)

A humorous and touching feature length documentary about how Courtney and his childhood best friends grew up making horror films in their backyards. Now available to stream via “The Early Documentaries of Courtney Sell” through indiePix.

“I think Courtney Sell has provided us with something essential – a heartfelt testament of times gone by yet countered by a persuasive resonance that illuminates backyard filmmaking in all its earnest past glory.” — Mark Borchardt (“Coven” and “The Dundee Project”)

“Sell is the real thing and “Tracking Issues” is destined to become an underground classic.” — Jennifer M. Kroot (“It Came From Kuchar” & “To Be Takei”)

WATCH HERE

The Last Day Dream - 2015 (10 min.)

Out of Print. An ode to nature. Segments of this piece can be found in “Tracking Issues”.

Down Orchard Street - 2014 (11 min.)

Unavailable to the pubic. A short and occasionally jarring glimpse into the historic Lower East Side neighborhood devastated by gentrification and significant rent inflation. Filmed entirely with FlipCams by many of the Store Owners whose shops were soon to be closed down, the film was never fully completed and remains unreleased.

Kick it! Screams From New Orleans - 2014 (40 min.)

Out of Print. A compilation of many of the live rock performances Courtney had documented for DNO Video on his Hi8 camera.

Death Valley Sonata - 2013 (9 min.)

Out of Print. An eerie landscape portrait of a desert ghost town and the caves where many of the Manson Family members used to frequent.

New Orleans Ghosts - 2012 (30 min.)

Out of Print. A mix between an experimental film and a diary piece, the film was screened as a backdrop for many live music performances in New Orleans upon its initial release.

In the Golden Blood of the Sunlight - 2010 (45 min.)

A rock-doc following the Portland based band “The Singing Knives” during their residency in New Orleans. Featuring many live performances, music videos and behind the scenes footage. Made alongside Defend New Orleans. The film is now available to stream via “The Early Documentaries of Courtney Sell” through indiePix.

WATCH HERE

Baby, You have No Idea - 2010 (20 min.)

A companion piece to “In the Golden Blood of the Sunlight” following “The Singing Knives” during their short west coast tour. It’s also a document of the recording of their debut album. Now available to stream via “The Early Documentaries of Courtney Sell” through indiePix.

WATCH HERE

An Afternoon with Walt - 2010 (10 min.)

Out of Print. A short portrait of the controversial Portland based street poet Walt Curtis.

The Hole - 2010 (10 min.)

Award-winning short documentary made as a collaboration between Courtney and filmmaker Billy Feldman, “The Hole” is an exploration into one of the most mysterious neighborhoods in New York City. A location known as “The Hole”, it is known as a mafia body dumping ground, home to the Federation of Black Cowboys and located 30 feet below sea level causing pond-sized flooding. Archived at the Film-makers Coop in New York City. It is now available to stream via “The Early Documentaries of Courtney Sell” through indiePix.

“Treats the place with dignity, neither romanticizing its struggles nor pathologizing its residents.” – Newsweek

“A beautiful and fascinating exploration” – Filmmaker Magazine

WATCH HERE

My Dying Day - 2008 (10 min.)

A touching short portrait of Rev. Bradley Sell (Courtney’s Father) during his last months of life after struggling with an aggressive form of cancer for nearly seven years. Filled with heartwarming humor as well as heartbreaking reality, the film has gone on to screen worldwide and has been the recipient of numerous awards. The film was supported by the Prostate Cancer Foundation upon its initial release. It is now available to stream via “The Early Documentaries of Courtney Sell” through indiePix.

WATCH HERE

Under the Bridge - 2007 (10 min.)

Out of Print. A portrait of a homeless community in Providence, Rhode Island who had constructed an entire neighborhood underneath the Crawford Street Bridge. This film was released on an early DVD box set but is no longer available to the public.

White Clover - 2007 (9 min.)

Out of Print. An unsettling and abrasive short documentary set in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. This film was released on an early DVD box set but is no longer available to the public.

Long Way Back to Paradise - 2007 (40 min.)

Out of Print. A portrait of a controversial experimental rock band from Boston. The film was released on an early DVD box set but is no longer available to the public.

No Place Like Home - 2006 (55 min.)

Courtney’s debut documentary is a moving lo-fi portrait of non-profit ‘Defend New Orleans’ founder Jac Currie and his efforts to help rebuild his community after the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The film went on to screen internationally and become the recipient of numerous awards. It was promoted on the Ellen Show and was released on DVD in 2008.

BUY DVD HERE