Hogancamp . “After five years of getting to know Mark Hogancamp, I've learned that for Mark, the photographs you're about to see are merely a byproduct of a very personal therapy - sort of a war photographer's hurried snapshot of the events in his mind. What exists in Mark's heart and head is so much richer than anything he could capture on film. He's talked to me many times about how the photographs don't do justice to what he sees going on in the streets of Marwencol every day. Inside Marwencol, there's more love, pain, longing, and beauty than in many people's real lives. Who can really say that Mark's imaginary world is any less valid than the real one? These days Mark prefers to live in his imaginary town. Knowing what he's been through in his real life and having spent some time in Marwencol, I can't say that I blame him. Mark's decision to share his photographs with all of us wasn't an easy one for him. But it's a decision that - like the man - is both brave and beautiful. As with any true artist, Mark doesn't see things the way you or I do... and I think we're all a little better off for him sharing what he sees.” Jeff Malmberg Director of Marwencol. A film about the work and life of Mark Hogancamp. Thanks, in part, to the film Marwencol, the legend of the prolific model-maker and photographer, Mark Hogancamp, is truly in the making. After a hideous attack in which he was beaten almost to death by a group of teenagers, Hogancamp remained in a deep coma.   He came round, but was left with deep physical and mental trauma.  He’d lost every trace of his memory and knew nothing of his past.  All he had left, to show him who he was, were old diaries and a collection of photographs. In order to rebuild his life and his mind, Hogancamp created the ultimate fantasy world in his backyard – a 1/6^th scale World War II style model town where glamorous, Barbie-style dolls representing Hogancamp and his friends and family carve out a beautiful, romantic, action packed and sometimes dangerous  life together.  He calls his world Marwencol.  MARK HOGANCAMP From Tragedy Comes Genius An SS dispatch rider blows past the sentry post at Marwencol with an urgent message. Dej'Alagua Montique Thoris, the Belgian Witch of Marwencol and the heiress to the world of Marwencol, walks down Main Street while just wearing a black lace bra... The "protectors" of Marwencol, returning from a patrol and re-entering my town. When my P-40 Warhawk got hit, I crash landed in Belgium near the Mulva River. As I was walking along the river I saw three Russian women. They brought me to the town they were defending - called Marwencol... I prepare to place Anna on our bed, after carrying her into our new home. Anna & I hug after the assassination attempt. The Nazis realize then that they can't kill us. We're immortal... A much needed M-5 Stuart rolls into Marwencol to strengthen our defenses against the ever-bullying, close-minded Nazis. A photographer takes a photo of Anna and I at the Marwencol Falls where we spent our honeymoon. The 'New York Jeep' rides along the Mulva River on the way to the store for medical supplies. Dej'Alaqua Montique Thoris holds me as she waits for my friends to arrive and take me away to medical. She's just saved me from the Nazis. Deja Thoris is found by my tank crew and I. She fled town with all of Marwencol's wealth in her handbag so that the Nazis couldn't find it. Mediterranean Lisa is walking through Marwencol with her tall, dark, and handsome boyfriend Yahzee... and then she sees Steve McQueen... Sometimes the G.I.'s just want to get out of town and go to the store, two miles away. It's Christmas morning and Hayden doesn't know it yet but when she turns around, Deja's standing there holding a mirror to show Hayden her newly reconstructed face. My friend Bert and his wife Dorothy driving to my Catfight Club one night to meet up with me. In war friends are made and friends are lost... forever. This is a photo of the 1942-'43 New Year's Eve party in "The Ruined Stocking" catfight club in Marwencol. GI's walk into Marwencol - beaten, battered, and cold...