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This special section celebrates the vital connections of music and film—from exploring music's role in creating dynamic cinematic experiences to showcasing documentary films that put great music and musicians in front of the camera. Shedding light on the art of the film score, acclaimed musicians/composers Mark Mothersbaugh and Stewart Copeland discuss their experiences and creative processes; silent cinema is given new life with the world premieres of live film scores by Portastatic (helmed by Superchunk’s Mac McCaughan) and Harold Budd and Robin Guthrie (who recently collaborated to create the score for Gregg Araki’s Mysterious Skin); and special forums bring filmmakers, musicians and industry together. Showcasing music as a subject, we present a selection of new documentaries that travel the globe capturing great performances and illuminating the lives, stories, and struggles between the notes. This wide-ranging selection of films highlights celebrated artists–The Pixies, The Police, Leonard Cohen, Harry Nilsson, JJ Cale, Björk, George Michael–as well as overlooked masters and undiscovered talents in Brazil, West Africa, Iceland and Turkey. As a centerpiece for the program, we’re presenting the Face the Music Rock Party, a special concert at Neumo’s. Join us for this exciting and eclectic program celebrating the various intersections of music and film.
Germany, 2005, 90 min.
Filmmaker Fatih Akin (Head-On) and musician Alexander Hacke explore the diverse musical landscape of Istanbul, finding everything from traditional Turkish music to modern hip hop and electronic music. Includes performances from maverick rocker Erkin Koray, digital dervish Mercan Dede, the "El …
USA, 2006, 75 min.
In 1978, just as The Police were starting to get noticed, drummer Stewart Copeland bought a super-8 camera and began documenting the day-to-day life of the band. With candid footage capturing concerts, studio sessions and backstage shenanigans, is a rare first-hand account of …
Canada, 2005, 72 min.
An intimate, exciting look at the inner workings of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra as it launches a new season with charismatic maestro Peter Oundjiian. Director Barbara Willis Sweete captures soloists Yo-Yo Ma, Renee Fleming, Emanuel Ax, and the lively backstage lives of the orchestra's musicians a …
United Kingdom, 2005, 93 min.
Singer George Michael opens up for the first time about his life and career, speaking candidly about sex, death, pop fame and public disgrace. Featuring live performances, interviews with a host of ’80s pop luminaries, plus Michael’s first meeting with Wham! partner Andrew Ridgeley in over 20 years. …
USA, 2005, 98 min.
A treat for fans and newcomers alike, I’M YOUR MAN is both an intimate portrait of the great poet and songwriter Leonard Cohen and a moving concert film. Candid interviews with Cohen are interwoven with performances of his repertoire by Nick Cave, Rufus Wainwright, Beth Orton and others. …
USA, 2006, 82 min.
Documenting their triumphant return to the stage after more than ten years apart, loudQUIETloud proves that influential Boston band The Pixies are still amazing performers, but remain unable to communicate with each other offstage. An exhilarating concert film and a fascinating portrait of the inner …
Switzerland, 2005, 85 min.
An engaging portrait of Brazil’s feminist icon and first lady of song as she gracefully transitions from rock chick to mature chanteuse. Featuring interviews with the crème de la crème of contemporary Brazilian musicians, including Bethania’s superstar brother Caetano Veloso, Chico Buarque, Gilberto …
Guinea, 2005, 80 min.
In the wake of a violent civil war in Sierra Leone, thousands fled to the neighboring Republic of Guinea. The Refugee All Stars is the remarkable story of a group of musicians who bring hope and happiness to their fellow refugees before finally returning to Sierra Leone to record an album. …
Iceland, 2005, 88 min.
Why has Iceland produced so much imaginative music? This ravishingly-shot documentary combines visual and sonic treats as it examines the tiny island nation at the top of the world, suffused with the towering presence of Björk, seen here at all stages of her career. …
Seattle director Kristian St. Clair explores the life and times of self-taught jazz musician, composer and arranger Gary McFarland, who, before his mysterious death in 1971, collaborated with such notables as Gerry Mulligan, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Stan Getz, Bill Evans, Clark Terry, Gabor Szabo and C …
The founding father of the “Tulsa sound” and writer of some of the best rock songs of the last three decades, including “Cocaine” and “After Midnight,” J.J. Cale is still as laid-back as ever. TO TULSA AND BACK finds him speaking candidly about his life and music during a recent six-city tour. …
USA, 2006, 90 min.
Enigmatic singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson was singled out by the Beatles as their favorite "group" and regarded by songwriter Jimmy Webb as the greatest vocalist of the twentieth century. This lively documentary celebrates his legacy with rarely seen footage and interviews with a stellar group of hi …
