Self Publish, Be Happy

DIY zines and books are shaking up the publishing industry — Bruno Ceschel's indie library celebrates the self-publishing revolution.

Bruno Ceschel was working in mainstream publishing when the freedom and innovation of the self-publishing revolution captured his imagination. Inspired by the zines and photo books he saw coming out, he founded Self Publish, Be Happy in 2010 to support this fledgling movement and create a platform that would help artists, photographers and indie publishers of all stripes to share their work and connect with a like-minded community, both online and offline – through workshops, live events and gallery takeovers.

In this film, Bruno shows us around his Dalston studio, where he houses his ever-growing collection of self-published photo books – from lo-fi zines like Gay Goths to hardcover beauties like Ying Ang‘s Gold Coast, which featured in Huck 46 – The Documentary Photography Special II.

When he’s not championing self-publishing, Bruno can be found sharing his passion for photography as a lecturer at the University of the Arts London. As a man who permanently has his ear to the ground, Bruno can spot a revolution before it burns. So for Huck 47, we invited Bruno to curate a list of the most exciting things happening in photography in 2015. Pick up your copy today. 

Find out more about Self Publish, Be Happy.

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Dalia Al-Dujaili: “When you’re placeless, nature can fill the void”

Babylon, Albion — As her new book publishes, the British-Iraqi author speaks about connecting with the land as a second-generation migrant, plants as symbols of resistance, and being proud of her parents.

Written by: Zahra Onsori

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Katie Goh: “I want people to engage with the politics of oranges”

Foreign Fruit — In her new book, the Edinburgh-based writer traces her personal history through the citrus fruit’s global spread, from a village in China to Californian groves. Angela Hui caught up with her to find out more.

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Meet the hair-raised radicals of Berlin’s noise punk scene

Powertool — In his new zine, George Nebieridze captures moments of loud rage and quiet intimacy of the German capital’s bands, while exploring the intersections between music, community and anti-establishment politics.

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A new documentary spotlights Ecuador’s women surfers fighting climate change

Ceibo — Co-directed by Maddie Meddings and Lucy Small, the film focuses on the work and story of Pacha Light, a wave rider who lived off-grid before reconnecting with her country’s activist heritage.

Written by: Hannah Bentley

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© Alex Brown / Surfers Against Sewage
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The rebellious roots of Cornwall’s surfing scene

100 years of waveriding — Despite past attempts to ban the sport from beaches, surfers have remained as integral, conservationist presences in England’s southwestern tip. A new exhibition in Falmouth traces its long history in the area.

Written by: Ella Glossop

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