NEW YORK PREMIERE The artist group, San Isidro, whose members have been jailed and tortured by the Cuban government, represents one of the few significant resistance movements in the history of oppression in Cuba. Inspired by their courage, Cuban hip-hop musicians living in exile record a protest song, “Patria y vida” (“Homeland and Life”) a […]
NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE Loïe Fuller was a master dancer of the early 20th century whose use of fabric and light created stunning visuals that influenced many in art and fashion. Directors Sabine Krayenbühl and Zeva Oelbaum create a visual poem that pays homage to Fuller’s specific artistic achievement. Mixing a kaleidoscope of entrancing images with the […]
WORLD PREMIERE Until Reese Witherspoon’s Oscar-winning portrayal of her in the Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line, most contemporary audiences were unfamiliar with June Carter Cash. Kristen Vaurio’s comprehensive documentary June offers a much fuller understanding of the multitalented artist, singer, songwriter, comedian, and actress. Delightful, never-before-seen archival material reveals June’s firecracker wit and charisma […]
WORLD PREMIERE Garland Jeffreys, the mixed-race Brooklyn native whose music defied industry norms, receives long-overdue recognition in this enlightening documentary. His unique fusion of folk, soul, and rock earned him accolades abroad, yet left him underrated at home. Jeffreys’ story, narrated from his NYC home and featuring interviews with fans like Harvey Keitel, Laurie Anderson, […]
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 […]
NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE Singer Dalton Harris, winner of The X-Factor in 2018, shares an emotional journey of self-acceptance against the backdrop of a fickle music industry. The film follows Harris over three years as he moves from Jamaica to London to capitalize on his newfound fame, while hiding his sexual identity and battling anxiety and depression. […]
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 […]
Trailblazing, hell-raising, country music legend Tanya Tucker defied the standards of how a woman in country music was supposed to behave. Decades after Tanya slipped from the spotlight, rising Americana music star Brandi Carlile takes it upon herself to write an entire album for Tanya, spurring the greatest comeback in country music history. Filmmaker Kathlyn […]
WORLD PREMIERE: Beloved Tony Award®-winning actress and singer Idina Menzel’s many triumphs include iconic Broadway roles in productions of “Rent” and “Wicked” as well as the legendary voice of Elsa in Disney’s “Frozen.” Yet one dream goal has evaded her grasp: to headline a concert at the world-famous Madison Square Garden in her hometown of […]