NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE This documentary illuminates the overlooked life of a remarkable composer, Fanny Mendelssohn. Born in 1800’s Berlin, hindered by societal constraints on women, her talents remained buried until feminist scholars uncovered her impressive body of work. Overshadowed by her brother Felix, she was confined at home while he soared to fame. The film, punctuated […]
INTERNATIONAL PREMIERE A captivating journey through the history of the essential African drum, the djembe, as seen through the remarkable life of revered Guinean percussionist Famoudou Konate. From his childhood playing the once-sacred instrument to his globe-trotting days with Les Ballets Africains, the film celebrates Konate’s unique role in African culture. An uplifting and gorgeous […]
NYC PREMIERE Hailing from the African nation of Cape Verde, and gifted with an indisputable talent, singer-songwriter Cesária Évora rose to global fame later in life. Peppered with colorful anecdotes of this generous, down-to-earth, fiercely independent “Barefoot Diva,” this charming documentary follows “Cize” at home on her native island of São Vicente, backstage with beloved […]
NYC PREMIERE A drum master from Japan and a Korean adoptee from Minnesota boldly convene an all-female troupe to perform Taiko, the Japanese drumming art that has been off-limits to women for centuries. As the early menace of Covid rumbles in the background, the group faces down hurdles to prepare for a historic performance in […]
NYC PREMIERE If you listen to 1970s pop music, you’ve undoubtedly heard these guys play, but do you know their names? This documentary highlights five talented men—Danny, Leland, Rus, Waddy, and Steve— who shunned the spotlight for themselves yet enjoyed decades of success as session musicians on iconic tracks. Interviewees include their collaborators James Taylor, […]
NYC PREMIERE Blues and soul singer Lee Fields’ career spans 50 years, from his early days playing Harlem clubs to stints with Kool & the Gang and Sharon Jones, to inspiring today’s rappers Travis Scott and A$ap Rocky. Despite comparisons to James Brown, Lee is his own man: loving husband, dynamic performer, and oh, that […]
WORLD PREMIERE In the 1990s, cheap rent and big houses in Athens, GA helped incubate bands Olivia Tremor Control, Neutral Milk Hotel, Elf Power, and many more. This psychedelic rock music, often created by non-musicians and recorded on creaky 4-tracks, developed a loyal following who shared cassette tapes and 45s and packed into raucous live […]
WORLD PREMIERE Never heard of American singer-songwriter Judee Sill? Discovered by David Geffen in the early 1970s, Sill combined the electricity (and self-destructiveness) of Janis Joplin, soulful poetry of Leonard Cohen, and a complete lack of public recognition for her innovative, brilliant work before her premature death at the age of 35. LOST ANGEL thrillingly […]
WORLD PREMIERE Don’t let the 8- to 12- year- old age range fool you: Color Killer, a head-banging punk group, can bring the noise! But can they overcome in-fighting and jealousies to ace their biggest live performance ever? SNL’s Chris Parnell “counsels” their supportive, roadie/manager parents as the film follows the band during the weeks […]
NYC PREMIERE Despite the cruelty of living under Belgium’s oppressive regime in the colonial era, the Congolese maintained their sense of pride and self-expression, most notably in the form of the Congolese rumba, a blend of sounds from Cuba and the Congo’s unique musical traditions. Director Alain Brain showcases an impressive slate of musicians from […]