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Summary
- ISKY is a documentary that explores the life and contributions of Ed Iskenderian, a pioneer in the automotive industry and hot rod culture.
- Through intimate interviews and archival footage, the film paints a comprehensive portrait of Iskenderian’s journey and his innovative work with camshafts.
- This is the first feature-length film to focus on Iskenderian, who has been honored for his significant contributions to the automobile industry and high-performance motorsports.
A hot rod pioneer. The “Camfather.” A kingpin in the industry of Camshafts. These are all phrases used to describe Ed Iskenderian, an innovative figure in the automotive industry and the focus of the documentary ISKY. Directed by Cheyanne Kane and produced by Kerry Ann Enright of Vigilants, an independent digital media production and distribution company, ISKY delves into the heart of American hot rod culture and traces Iskenderian’s journey — from his early fascination with racing and hot rods to the invention of camshafts that pushed automotive limits beyond belief.
ISKY relies on intimate interviews and archival footage to paint a comprehensive portrait of Iskenderian’s life: his challenges, sacrifices, and contributions. While several documentaries explore the world of hot rods, which are typically classic or modern American cars that are rebuilt or modified to increase speed and performance, this is the first time that Iskenderian’s story is front and center in a feature-length film. Check out the trailer below.
Ed Iskederian: The Man Behind the Legend
Born in California’s grapevine region of Tulare County in 1921, Iskenderian’s life may have turned out radically different if his father’s winemaking plans had come to fruition. As weather conditions ravaged the land, the family was forced to relocate to Los Angeles. Unbeknownst to the family then, this move would change the course of automotive history and Iskenderian would become a well known name among car lovers.
Through high school, Iskenderian worked on building a model T Ford roadster and learning the ropes on that vehicle; he faced repeated crankshaft failure. He began searching for an engine with a lower end and, through inventive thinking, combined parts for his desired outcome: he had built his first hot rod. After graduating, Iskenderian continued to strengthen his mechanical prowess, working as an apprentice tool and diemaker.
As World War II threatened global security, Iskenderian enlisted in the Army Corps, where he served with the Air Transport Command, flying supplies to the islands of the Pacific. After the war, he opened a small shop in Culver City, California (that shop has moved but is still exists). Reconnecting with his love for hot rods, what follows would establish Iskenderian’s legacy. As camshaft producers on the West Coast faced delays (as few existed and hot rod culture had gained popularity), Iskenderian entered the camshaft business. Iskenderian converted a conventional cylindrical grinder into a universal cam grinding machine that produced camshafts with improved performance; he would later become the first to utilize computers in camshaft design.
His numerous continued efforts led to Iskenderian being honored in 1985 as one of Chevrolet’s Legends of Performance, an accolade bequeathed to those whose contributions have helped shape the automobile industry and elevated high-performance motorsports. The hot rod culture, which enjoyed its golden age during the 1950s and 1960s, is still thriving today, with many enthusiasts throughout the world, especially in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Sweden. Iskenderian, the man whose skills and innovative thinking transformed an entire industry, is now 102.
Be sure to check out ISKY when it releases in January 2024, and watch this space for more information. You can find out more at the film’s website here.
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