DocumentaryThe greatest concert film of all time, "Stop Making Sense" brings to the screen Talking Heads at Hollywood's Pantages Theater in December 1983: David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, and Jerry Harrison, alongside an ecstatic ensemble of supporting musicians, capturing the iconic band at their exhilarating best. Directed by Academy Award Winner Jonathan Demme and newly restored to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
DocumentaryNow In Theaters. Following in the footsteps of legendary 1960’s session musicians The Wrecking Crew, musicians Leland Sklar, Danny Kortchmar, Russ Kunkel, and Waddy Wachtel helped create some of the most recognizable tunes in rock music. Director Denny Tedesco reveals the machinery behind the booming era of the singer-songwriter, when the talents of these four musicians were in furious demand. The 1970s come to life through intimate interviews with the musicians themselves and the artists they worked with. Including legendary needle drops and commentary from superstars like Carole King, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Keith Richards, Don Henley, David Crosby, Jackson Browne and Phil Collins, “Immediate Family” is a backstage tour of rock history.
DocumentaryBorn into poverty in rural Jamaica, Bob Marley became a prophet for the world's oppressed, preaching peace, love, and understanding with a universal language - song. On what would have been Marley's seventy-fifth birthday, Oscar-winning filmmaker Kevin Macdonald combines unheard tracks, unseen footage, and intimate interviews to paint a definitive portrait of the legendary artist.
Music DocumentariesMusician Lil Peep was on the verge of mainstream success when he died of a drug overdose at 21 years old. Dubbed the future of emo by Pitchfork, Peep managed to touch countless lives across the world in just a short two years with an innovative mix of punk, emo and trap music. Executive produced by Terrence Malick, Everybody’s Everything explores the meteoric rise of Lil Peep, from recording songs in his bedroom to a worldwide tour, and the unbelievable impact he left from trying to be all things to all people.
Music DocumentariesOn January 28, 1985, as famine devastated the African continent, a stellar roster of musical talent entered a recording studio in Los Angeles, CA, to make a record dedicated to alleviating hunger in the Third World. The song was called "We Are the World," the collected artists billed themselves as "USA for Africa," and the single became a phenomenon, raising over $60 million for African famine relief. We Are the World: The Story Behind the Song is a documentary which examines how the song was written, how producer Quincy Jones and songwriters Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie persuaded some of the most popular performers in America to donate their services to the project, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the marathon recording session that produced the single. Performers include Ray Charles, Bruce Springsteen, Ti
Documentary"Woodstock," the concert, gave voice to the spirit of a generation, offering the world a three-day microcosm of the turbulent '60s, set to the music of the era's greatest rock performers. "Woodstock," the film, captures it all, now with more than 40 minutes of added material and masterfully remixed sound. This Academy Award-winner for Best Documentary Feature shows in spectacular detail how and why the legendary "Summer of Love" festival was an historical event, and now features additional interviews, memorable footage and, of course, more of the music that brought this "happening" together. The Hollywood Reporter calls this "inspiring and dramatic... With the terrific new sound, gorgeous new prints and overall high quality of filmmaking, the entire film feels as fresh and vital as when it first burst on the scene in 1
Music DocumentariesJustin Bieber's odds were a million to one, until millions of fans found him online. Now his world is yours with Never Say Never, the "riveting and inspiring" story of his journey from average teen to the youngest performer to sell out the most famous stage in New York City.
DocumentaryMadonna: Like you've never seen her before. This movie reveals her as she really is, on stage and off--den mother to her family of dancers, sex goddess to her millions of fans, businesswoman, singer, dancer, the biggest star in the world of music. Join her and experience an intimate backstage look at her "Blonde Ambition" tour. From her hotel room to her dressing room, from her stage show to her boudoir, here is Madonna--outrageous, hilarious, uninhibited.
Music DocumentariesTHRILLER 40 celebrates the Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking Thriller album, the biggest selling album worldwide. The documentary explores the artistic vision behind the revolutionary album and what makes it a global cultural multi-media phenomenon for both the 20th and 21st centuries.
DocumentaryProduced by the Emmy award-winning Banger Films, ZZ TOP: THAT LITTLE OL’ BAND FROM TEXAS tells the story of how three oddball teenage bluesmen - Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill, and Frank Beard – became one of the biggest, most beloved bands on the planet, all while maintaining a surrealist mystique that continues to intrigue fans and entice onlookers 50 years after the band’s inception.
Music DocumentariesHe is one of the most influential, inspiration and ground-breaking musicians of our time. Now, Academy Award™ winning director Martin Scorsese (Goodfellas, 1990) brings us the extraordinary story of Bob Dylan’s journey from his roots in Minnesota, to his early days in the coffee houses of Greenwich Village, to his tumultuous ascent to pop stardom in 1966. Joan Baez, Allen Ginsberg and others share their thoughts and feelings about the young singer who would change popular music forever. With never-before-seen footage, exclusive interviews, and rare concert performances, it’s the definitive portrait fans the world over have been anticipating for decades: the untold story of a living American legend. This anniversary edition contains previously unreleased interviews with the director, Liam Clancy and Dave Van Ron
Music DocumentariesKaty Perry is living proof that if you just be yourself, you can be anything! Get an inside look into the real Katy Perry and find out how this regular California Girl with big dreams became one of the biggest stars in the world. This “undeniably irresistible” film is your chance to experience Katy Perry’s teenage dream come true* Elizabeth Weitzman, NY DAILY NEWS
Music DocumentariesRarely can a film penetrate the glamorous surface of rock legends. It Might Get Loud tells the personal stories, in their own words, of three generations of electric guitar virtuosos – The Edge (U2), Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), and Jack White (The White Stripes). It reveals how each developed his unique sound and style of playing favorite instruments, guitars both found and invented. Concentrating on the artist's musical rebellion, traveling with him to influential locations, provoking rare discussion as to how and why he writes and plays, this film lets you witness intimate moments and hear new music from each artist. The movie revolves around a day when Jimmy Page, Jack White, and The Edge first met and sat down together to share their stories, teach and play.
DocumentaryWhitney Houston broke more music industry records than any other female singer in history. With over 200 million album sales worldwide, she was the only artist to chart seven consecutive U.S. No. 1 singles. She also starred in several blockbuster movies before her brilliant career gave way to erratic behavior, scandals and death at age 48. The documentary feature Whitney is an intimate, unflinching portrait of Houston and her family that probes beyond familiar tabloid headlines and sheds new light on the spellbinding trajectory of Houston’s life. Using never-before-seen archival footage, exclusive demo recordings, rare performances, audio archives and original interviews with the people who knew her best, Oscar®-winning filmmaker Kevin Macdonald unravels the mystery behind “The Voice,” who thrilled millions even
Music DocumentariesThe amazingly talented Taylor Swift is more than her catchy pop, country, and rock songs. A life story filled with love and loss, all Taylor-made. Music was her mission fulfilling her wildest dreams.
Music DocumentariesClassic rock is one of the most popular styles of music in the world, touching the lives of generations of people. Yet ironically, no one knows exactly what classic rock is. Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Deep Purple: There are certain artists who everyone agrees belong in the classic rock story, but where does that story begin and where does it end? For some, classic rock constitutes music released during a specific period of time. For others, it’s a genre or simply a radio format. Filmmaker & lifelong rocker Daniel Sarkissian has taken it upon himself to travel the world, from the Sunset Strip to Abbey Road Studios, interviewing artists from iconic bands such as KISS, The Guess Who, Jethro Tull, The Doobie Brothers, Guns N’ Roses, Twisted Sister, Alice Cooper, Styx, Triumph, Grand Funk Railroad, Megadeth, Korn, Bill
DocumentaryOn Thanksgiving Day, 1976, The Band gave its farewell concert at Winterland in San Francisco. On hand to help say goodbye to this influential rock group were some of the most acclaimed musicians of the late 1960s and '70s. This film is not only a vibrant documentary of that historic evening, but also a commentary on the rock world at the time. Most of the picture is concert footage of The Band and their guest performers -- highlighted by interviews with members of the group, who eloquently articulate their personal involvement in the history of rock and roll.
DramaA revealing and deeply personal documentary exploring the life and creative renaissance of music icon David Crosby. A cultural force for over fifty years, Crosby faced an uncertain future after the 2015 dissolution of Crosby, Stills and Nash. Racked with health issues and personal obstacles, Crosby forged a new path at the age of 76. Seeking out younger musicians and recording a pair of critically-praised new albums, Crosby now sets out to make a mark in a world now so different from the generation he came to define in the 60's. With unflinching honesty, self-examination, regret, fear, exuberance and an unshakable belief in family and the transformative nature of music, Crosby shares his often-challenging journey with humor and bite. This inspirational story, filled with music, will speak to loyal fans, and legions of
DocumentaryOne of the most important artists of our era, Ryuichi Sakamoto has had a prolific career spanning over four decades. From techno-pop stardom to Oscar-winning film composer, the evolution of his music has coincided with his life journeys. Following Fukushima, Sakamoto became an iconic figure in Japan’s social movement against nuclear power. As Sakamoto returns to music following a cancer diagnosis, his haunting awareness of life crises leads to a resounding new masterpiece. 'Ryuichi Sakamoto: Coda' is an intimate portrait of both the artist and the man.
Music DocumentariesWhat began as a movie about the notorious rock group King Crimson and Robert Fripp mutated into something very different to a standard music documentary - a dark and hilarious exploration of music, time, cults, mortality, and the transcendent power of art to change lives. But with jokes.
Music DocumentariesA music industry legend for 50 years and a 10-time Grammy-winning global sensation, as well as a recipient of a Kennedy Center Honor and a Billboard Century award, Santana continues to be one of the music world's premiere artists, blending jazz, blues, and the Mariachi sound with a rock n' roll spirituality and a sense of connection to music's primal connection to our deepest emotions. The electric documentary CARLOS utilizes new interviews with Santana and his family alongside extraordinary, never-before-seen archival footage — including home video recordings Santana himself made; concert footage; and behind-the-scenes moments — as two-time Emmy-winning director Rudy Valdez (The Sentence; Through Our Eyes; We Are: The Brooklyn Saints) creates an intimate, rich documentary about a man whose sound casts a spell on f
Concert FilmsThe Rolling Stones’ free concert in Hyde Park on the 5th July 1969 has become the stuff of legend. It was the band’s first full live performance for two years, their first to feature Mick Taylor on guitar and came just two days after the tragic early death of their former guitarist Brian Jones. It was a free concert so nobody counted the crowd but it was undeniably in the hundreds of thousands. This film was originally shot for Granada TV in the UK and captures the full experience of the day. There are interview clips with the band, behind the scenes footage, interviews with the crowd and with the Hell’s Angels providing the security and of course The Rolling Stones on stage, including the first live performance of “Honky Tonk Women”, classics like “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”, “Midnight Rambler”
Music DocumentariesWings for Wheels: The Making of Born to Run chronicles the definitive story of Bruce Springsteen’s breakthrough album from songwriting to production and beyond. Includes archival film shot between 1973 and 1975 but never shown publicly.
Music DocumentariesAcademy Award-winning filmmaker Martin Scorsese and the world's greatest rock n' roll band, The Rolling Stones, unite to bring audiences the year's most extraordinary film event, "Shine a Light." With special appearances by Christina Aguilera, Jack White and Buddy Guy, and four Rolling Stones performances not seen in theaters, Shine a Light is a must-own for rock n' roll fans across generations.
DocumentaryAn exploration into the career, music and influence of the iconic musician. With unprecedented access to the artist and featuring interviews with Sarah McLachlan, Alec Baldwin and more, this intimate documentary follows Lightfoot’s evolution from choirboy in rural Canada to troubled troubadour to international star with hits including “If You Could Read My Mind”, “Sundown”, “Carefree Highway”, and “Rainy Day People”.
Music DocumentariesDocumentary of the July 3rd, 1973 concert at London's Hammersmith Odeon Theatre and notable for this is the last time David Bowie would perform under the Ziggy Stardust persona.
DocumentaryThis unique rock concert film experience captures the essence of Led Zeppelin, one of the most exciting and durable rock bands of all time. Filmed during the group's now-famous 1973 New York City concerts, this documentary mixes live performances of "Dazed and Confused," "Stairway to Heaven," "Whole Lotta Love" and other signature songs with fantasy sequences and personal backstage footage of the group. Surviving band members recently supervised the digital remastering and Dolby 5.1 remixing of the film's picture and audio, so it now looks and sounds better than ever before!
Music Documentaries3 bands, 6 cities, 1 train, and thousands of miles of track create an unforgettable musical experience in Big Easy Express. Directed by Emmett Malloy (The White Stripes Under Great White Northern Lights) and starring some of the finest acts in music today, this incredible film captures nothing less than history in the making. Indie folk heroes Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, Tennessee's Old Crow Medicine Show, and Britain's acclaimed Mumford & Sons hopped on a beautiful antique train and set out across America on a tour of dreams. With poignancy and beauty, Malloy documents these incredible musicians as they ride the rails and wow the crowds from Oakland to New Orleans. So climb aboard the Big Easy Express for a vibrant and raucous adventure filled with joyous crowds, late night laughter, endless music
ComedyCelebrate with Dave Chappelle in the uncensored, unforgettable and unbelievably hilarious full-length movie about throwing the ultimate block party. Join Dave as he travels through the heartland and makes a special stop in his hometown to pass out invitations to attend the event of the decade. It's a front-row seat for outrageous laughs with music from today's hottest artists. Be a part of what Dave Chappelle calls "the best single day of my career!"
DocumentaryAn immersive archival journey through the explosive New York music scene of the early 2000s, Meet Me in the Bathroom tells the story of the last great romantic age of rock 'n' roll through the prism of a handful of era-defining bands. Featuring The Strokes, LCD Soundsystem, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Interpol, TV on the Radio, The Moldy Peaches, and many more!
DocumentaryThrough electrifying archival footage, exclusive interviews and rare personal letters, this documentary examines the meteoric rise and untimely fall of one of the most iconic and influential rock 'n' roll singers of all time: Janis Joplin. Directed by Oscar nominee Amy Berg and produced by Oscar winner Alex Gibney. Featuring musicians Pink, Kris Kristofferson, Melissa Etheridge, Bob Weir and more.
DocumentaryIn the early 90s, aspiring filmmaker (and General Hospital co-star) Ryan Sexton lugged a giant camcorder into some of the seediest clubs and filthiest apartments in Hollywood. There he filmed hour upon hour of VHS footage of the jaw-droppingly offensive Shock Rock band The Mentors, focusing on their infamous lead singer, 'El Duce.' 30 years later, the team behind The Nightmare and Room 237 and the editor of Leap of Faith: William Friedkin on the Exorcist uncover this dusty stockpile of long forgotten - and unseen - footage. They begin to piece together a picture of the man under the black executioner's hood and what his willfully offensive act and controversial views might tell us about 21st Century America. An incendiary, tragicomic documentary (midway between The Decline of Western Civilization and Crumb) which has b
DocumentaryConductor Gustavo Dudamel sets the music world afire with his original interpretations of the greatest symphonic works. He is named one of Time’s “100 Most Influential People” and serves as music and artistic director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Amidst social unrest in his native Venezuela, he devises an innovative concert that celebrates the power of art to renew and unite.
DocumentaryA fascinating story of the cultural, social, spiritual and musical revolution that was ignited by The Beatles, with revealing interviews and rarely-seen archival footage of the band.
Music DocumentariesYou know his songs, now discover John Denver's story. A Song's Best Friend: John Denver Remembered joins unseen live footage and interviews with his family and friends to illustrate the life and passions of the beloved singer-songwriter.
Music DocumentariesFrom BAFTA Award-winning director Asif Kapadia (SENNA), AMY tells the incredible story of six-time Grammy-winner Amy Winehouse – in her own words. Featuring extensive unseen archival footage and previously unheard tracks, this strikingly modern, moving and vital film shines a light on the world we live in, in a way that very few can. A once-in-a-generation talent, Amy Winehouse was a musician that captured the world’s attention. A pure jazz artist in the most authentic sense – she wrote and sung from the heart using her musical gifts to analyze her own problems. The combination of her raw honesty and virtuosity resulted in some of the most unique and adored songs of the modern era. But her massive success resulted in relentless and invasive media attention, which coupled with Amy’s troubled relationships and
DocumentaryThe incredible story of a tiny Alabama recording studio that produced some of greatest hits of all time. Aretha Franklin, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Percy Sledge, Alicia Keys, Bono and more bear witness to its magic.
DocumentarySpringsteen’s first studio album in five years, Western Stars marks a departure for the legendary singer/songwriter while still drawing on his roots. Touching on themes of love and loss, loneliness and family and the inexorable passage of time, the documentary film evokes the American West—both the mythic and the hardscrabble—weaving archival footage and Springsteen’s personal narration with song to tell the story of Western Stars.
DocumentaryLittle Richard: I Am Everything tells the story of the Black queer origins of rock n’ roll, exploding the whitewashed canon of American pop music to reveal the innovator – the originator – Richard Penniman. Through a wealth of archival footage, performances, and interviews, the film unspools the icon’s life story with all its switchbacks and contradictions.
DocumentaryJoan Baez I Am A Noise is an unusually intimate psychological portrait of legendary musician and activist Joan Baez. Neither a conventional biopic nor a traditional concert film, this immersive documentary follows Baez on her final tour and delves into her extraordinary archive, including newly discovered home movies, diaries, artwork, therapy tapes, and audio recordings. Throughout the film, Baez is remarkably revealing about her life on and off stage – from her lifelong emotional struggles to her civil rights work with MLK and a heartbreaking romance with a young Bob Dylan. A searingly honest look at a living legend, this film is a compelling and deeply personal exploration of an icon who has never told the full truth of her life, as she experienced it, until now.
Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ronnie Van Zant, Gary Rossington, Johnny Van Zant & Jojo Billingsley
Music DocumentariesFeaturing rare interviews and never-before-seen archive, If I Leave HereTomorrow takes viewers on a trip through the history, myth and legend of thegreatest American rock band ever! Rising from the swamps of the Deep Souththese good ol’ boys from Jacksonville, FL came to define an era with their hardrocking boogie-woogie sound, their drunken and dangerous antics, and theircontroversial use of the rebel flag. The film also serves as a portrait of bandleader Ronnie Van Zant; Simple Man, Country Boy, Whiskey Rock-a-Roller, apoet and prophet for the common man whose life was cut tragically short, butwhose legacy endures to this day.The film is primarily narrated by Gary Rossington, the last of the Street Survivors,founding member along with Ronnie Van Zant and Allen Collins, who remains theonly original member still in t
DocumentaryFilmed with vérité intimacy for nearly a decade, Quest is the moving portrait of the Rainey family living in North Philadelphia. Beginning at the dawn of the Obama presidency, Christopher "Quest" Rainey, and his wife, Christine'a "Ma Quest" raise a family while nurturing a community of hip hop artists in their home music studio. It's a safe space where all are welcome, but this creative sanctuary can't always shield them from the strife that grips their neighborhood. Epic in scope, Quest, a Sundance Festival Selection, is a vivid illumination of race and class in America, and a testament to love, healing and hope.
The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts & Ron Wood
Music Documentaries‘Crossfire Hurricane’, directed by Brett Morgen, was released as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of The Rolling Stones. This superb film tells the story of the Stones’ unparalleled journey from blues-obsessed teenagers in the early sixties to their undisputed status as rock royalty. All of The Rolling Stones have been newly interviewed and their words form the narrative arc that links together archive footage of performances, news coverage and interviews, much of it previously unseen. Taking its title from a lyric in “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”, ‘Crossfire Hurricane’ gives the viewer an intimate insight into exactly what it’s like to be part of The Rolling Stones as they overcome denunciation, drugs, dissensions and death to become the definitive survivors. Over a year in the making and produced wi
DocumentaryTourists flock to the west coast of Ireland to take in the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, but the real treasure lies in the soulful, acoustic sounds wafting out of pubs and living rooms of Doolin, County Clare. The denizens of this unspoiled coastal village of tight-knit neighbors and unlocked doors revel in the passion and history of their traditional folk songs, using music as a thread through generations to create community, connection, and joy.
DocumentaryWhen music is your whole life, and suddenly life gets interrupted... In lost and rare archival music videos, photos, and very personal and candid lock-down interviews, the film finds 80s rock icon John Waite reflecting back on his 5-decade career. From pioneer rock-video band The Babys in the 1970s, to his breakthrough as a solo artist in the early days of MTV, to touring with an actual Beatle, John recounts his struggles inside the commercialized world of the music business and his independent pursuits as a self-powered solo, live music artist. For the past 30 years John’s "Do It Yourself” touring and live performances around the world have been his way to survive in life both financially, and as he comes to terms with it in our film - emotionally. When performing live is suddenly not an option - he’s forced t
Music DocumentariesWHO TOOK THE BOMP? LE TIGRE ON TOUR follows iconic feminist band Le Tigre on their 2005 international tour. Le Tigre confronts sexism and homophobia in the music industry while tearing up the stage.
Music DocumentariesAlmost four decades as the Princess of Pop, superstar Britney Spears, continues to be in the public eye on the brink of winning a legal battle with her father that would end a conservatorship and at long last give her control of her life.
DocumentaryFilmmaker Justin Staple offers an eye-opening exploration of the SoundCloud rap phenomenon, a scene of troubled, young, lo-fi rappers that has emerged within the last few years. Exploiting the possibilities of social media to engage with a rabid fan base, a new breed of stars like Lil Peep, XXXtentacion, Smokepurpp, and Bhad Bhabie have disrupted the music industry, sidestepping traditional gatekeepers to shock the world with their rambunctious antics, prescription drug use, facial tattoos, and irreverent punk energy.
DocumentaryMusic lovers will be astonished at the influence The Wrecking Crew wielded over rock and pop music in the 1960s and early 1970s. These unsung instrumentalists were the de-facto backing band on hit records by The Beach Boys, Phil Spector, Frank Sinatra, Nancy Sinatra, Sonny & Cher, Elvis, The Monkees and many more. These dedicated musicians brought the flair and musicianship that made the American “West Coast Sound” a dominant cultural force around the world.
DocumentaryTalihina Sky is the story of Kings of Leon, whose strict Pentecostal upbringing in Oklahoma and Tennessee preceded their unlikely transformation into one of the biggest rock bands in the world. The film follows Nathan, Caleb, Jared and Matthew Followill back to Talihina, Oklahoma for their annual family reunion. This reunion serves as a catalyst to explore the band’s roots and the difficulties they faced growing up. Home movies, childhood photos and revealing interviews with family members -- including a colorful group of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins -- expose how the influence of their family has informed the creativity that drives Kings of Leon today. Now a multi-platinum act, Kings of Leon continues to feel the influence of their past while confronting the evolving set of struggles that come wi
Music DocumentariesIn 1962 four young men - John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr - came together to form the 20th century musical phenomenon known as 'The Beatles'. The band stormed Europe in 1963 and, in 1964, they conquered America. Their groundbreaking world tours changed global youth culture forever and, arguably, invented mass entertainment as we know it today. All the while, the group were composing and recording a series of extraordinarily successful singles and albums. However, the relentless pressure of such unprecedented fame (which in 1966 became uncontrollable turmoil) led to the decision to stop touring. In the ensuing years The Beatles were then free to focus on a series of albums that changed the face of recorded music. Master storyteller and Oscar winner, Ron Howard, explores this incredible journe
IndependentTraveling from the streets of Havana to the stage of Carnegie Hall, this revelatory documentary captures a forgotten generation of Cuba’s brightest musical talents as they enjoy an unexpected brush with world fame. The veteran vocalists and instrumentalists collaborated with American guitarist and roots-music champion Ry Cooder to form the Buena Vista Social Club, playing a jazz-inflected mix of cha-cha, mambo, bolero, and other traditional Latin American styles, and recording an album that won a Grammy and made them an international phenomenon. In the wake of this success, director Wim Wenders filmed the ensemble’s members—including golden-voiced Ibrahim Ferrer and piano virtuoso Rubén González—in a series of illuminating interviews and live performances. The result is one of the most beloved music documenta
Music Documentaries"The Promise: The Making of Darkness On The Edge of Town" was directed by Grammy- and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Thom Zimny. The film received a rapturous critical response around the world, including as an official selection, Toronto International Film Festival, The BFI London Film Festival, and The International Rome Film Festival. The Los Angeles Times gave 'The Promise' five stars, while Variety called it "thrilling...a vivid portrait." The film is accompanied by the bonus features "Songs From the Promise," a five-song concert event filmed in Asbury Park, NJ, and "A Conversation With His Fans," an intimate question-and-answer session.
Music DocumentariesEcho In The Canyon celebrates the explosion of popular music that came out of LA’s Laurel Canyon in the mid-60s as folk went electric and The Byrds, The Beach Boys, Buffalo Springfield and The Mamas and the Papas gave birth to the California Sound. It was a moment (1965 to 1967) when bands came to LA to emulate The Beatles and Laurel Canyon emerged as a hotbed of creativity and collaboration for a new generation of musicians who would soon put an indelible stamp on the history of American popular music. Featuring Jakob Dylan, the film explores the Laurel Canyon scene via never-before-heard personal details behind the bands and their songs and how that music continues to inspire today. Echo in the Canyon contains candid conversations and performances with Brian Wilson (The Beach Boys), Michelle Phillips (Mamas & the P
Music DocumentariesAn inside look at The Elephant 6 Recording Co., the ’90s rock collective that launched Neutral Milk Hotel, The Olivia Tremor Control, The Apples in Stereo, and other bands. Around 1985, a group of Louisiana high schoolers began experimenting with whatever random instruments and gear they could find. Influenced by psychedelia, and with little to distract them, they birthed a musical revolution.
Music DocumentariesWhen Lynyrd Skynyrd emerged onto the world stage in 1973, it was the result of a collective determination; the group had struggled and fought to gain real recognition ever since their formation eight years before. And although they were initially identified, both in the music industry and in the media, as just another act in the then booming Southern-Rock movement, it became quickly apparent that not only were Skynyrd a distinctly individual collective, but also they had the potential to become one of the finest rock bands in history. Led by the headstrong and domineering Ronnie Van Zant, a tough, blue collar brawler with his powerful stage presence, distinctive vocals and gritty, honest lyrics, his energy and vision propelled the group until its tragic end in 1977. This film revisits the story of Lynyrd Skynyrd in a m
DramaThe New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell, aka “Jazz Fest,” is the signature annual music and cultural event of the city and has been called America’s greatest festival. Celebrating the music, food, and arts and crafts of all of Louisiana since 1970, Jazz Fest is an essential showcase of the rich heritage of the region, and hundreds of thousands attend the event each year. Local music heroes are joined on 14 stages by some of the most important figures in entertainment, highlighting the connections between Louisiana culture and the world. Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story weaves together live performances and interviews from the 50th anniversary of the iconic festival, featuring some of the biggest names in the music industry, along with a wealth of archival documentary footage from the past half c
DocumentaryFREAKSCENE is a homage to one of the most influential bands of Alternative Music, which inspired the rock scene in the 1990s- including Nirvana. It is also the story of the eccentric guitarist and bandleader J. Mascis, bass player Lou Barlow and drummer Murph not communicating with each other. A tragically funny and sometimes noisy rollercoaster ride by a dysfunctional family: Dinosaur Jr.
Music DocumentariesIn July 2008, Billy Joel performed the last concert ever held at Shea Stadium. The Last Play at Shea chronicles the waning days of the ballpark through a tapestry of performance, historical documentary, and personal journey. The film weaves interviews with players and performers with exclusive concert footage. Guests include Tony Bennett, Garth Brooks, John Mayer, Roger Daltrey, and more.
DocumentaryThe fall of 2021 marked the 50th anniversary of Fiddler on the Roof, the film Pauline Kael (The New Yorker) called "the most powerful movie musical ever made." Narrated by Jeff Goldblum, FIDDLER'S JOURNEY TO THE BIG SCREEN captures the humor and drama of director Norman Jewison's quest to recreate the lost world of Jewish life in Tsarist Russia and re-envision the beloved stage hit as a wide-screen epic.Oscar-nominated filmmaker Daniel Raim puts us in the director's chair and in Jewison's heart and mind, drawing on behind-the-scenes footage and never-before-seen stills as well as original interviews with Jewison, Topol (Tevye), composer John Williams, production designer Robert F. Boyle, film critic Kenneth Turan, lyricist Sheldon Harnick, and actresses Rosalind Harris, Michele Marsh, and Neva Small (Tevye’s daughter
Documentary"It makes you feel like you are Kurt Cobain. You'll feel like you're literally seeing the world through his eyes." - (Washington Post) 'Kurt Cobain About a Son' is an intimate and moving meditation on the late musician and artist Kurt Cobain told entirely in his own voice. The film presents a rare personal portrait of a boy who becomes a musician, a husband, a rock star, a father and a songwriter whose words have touched millions. Cobain's story unfolds through his own narrative assembled from more than 25 hours of audio-taped conversations, never before made public, recorded during late-night sessions with noted journalist Michael Azerrad for his book 'Come As You Are: The Story Of Nirvana'. This improbable autobiography is a profound firsthand account of Cobain's successes and failures, fears and sense of humor that
Music DocumentariesWidely considered one of the greatest and most influential singers of all time, Patsy Cline, in her brief but extraordinary career, made a colossal impact on country and pop music. Cline’s remarkable life and enduring legacy will be honored in When Patsy Cline Was… Crazy, a new release that collects the acclaimed PBS documentary, Patsy Cline: American Masters, and a wealth of exclusive bonus material comprised of themed additional interview footage and rare vintage performances. With exclusive access to the Cline estate, the film, hailed by Yahoo! as “a beautifully assembled salute to one of the most important singers in country-music history” and “a work of fresh scholarship that’s also highly entertaining,” features rare performances of such Cline classics as “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “Three Cig
DocumentaryThere possibly isn’t an album in history that is as genre defining as Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’. Released in 1991, it single-handedly was responsible for the birth of what became to be known as grunge and has gone on to sell millions. ‘Nevermind’ was the second album from the Seattle trio and the first on the DGC label (its predecessor ‘Bleach’ was released on the Sub Pop label). It was produced by Butch Vig (also the drummer for the band Garbage) and mixed by Andy Wallace. Nirvana’s surviving members Krist Novoselic (bass) and Dave Grohl (drums) talk candidly about their past, the recording of ‘Nevermind’ and about Kurt Cobain and the legacy that he has left behind. Also featured are exclusive interviews with the likes of Garry Gersh (A&R DGC Records), Butch Vig, Jonathan Ponneman and Nils Bernstein
DocumentaryWhat makes a film score unforgettable? Featuring Hans Zimmer, James Cameron, Danny Elfman, John Williams, Quincy Jones, Trent Reznor, Howard Shore, Rachel Portman, Thomas Newman, Randy Newman, Leonard Maltin, and the late James Horner and Garry Marshall, SCORE: A FILM MUSIC DOCUMENTARY brings Hollywood's elite composers together to give viewers a privileged look inside the musical challenges and creative secrecy of the world's most international music genre: the film score. A film composer is a musical scientist of sorts, and the influence they have to complement a film and garner powerful reactions from global audiences can be a daunting task to take on. The documentary contains interviews with dozens of film composers who discuss their craft and the magic of film music while exploring the making of the most iconic an
DocumentaryEstablished in 1960, Tower Records was once a retail powerhouse with 200 stores, in 30 countries, on five continents. From humble beginnings in a small-town drugstore, Tower Records eventually became the heart and soul of the music world, and a powerful force in the music industry. In 1999, Tower Records made an astounding $1 billion. In 2006, the company filed for bankruptcy. What went wrong? Everyone thinks they know what killed Tower Records: The Internet. But that's not the story. Directed by Colin Hanks, and featuring music icons like Dave Grohl, Elton John and Bruce Springsteen, “All Things Must Pass” is a feature documentary film examining this iconic company's explosive trajectory, tragic demise, and legacy forged by its rebellious founder Russ Solomon.
DocumentaryBehind the headlines, beyond the spotlight… lies Justin’s real story. Get to know Justin Bieber as only the lucky few do – honest, funny and totally captivating – through incredible performances and exclusive interviews with the star himself. This is the compelling documentary that goes backstage to reveal Justin’s real story: his insights on evolving as an artist, the relationships that matter most to him, and what it’s like to come of age in the spotlight. It also includes thrilling never-before-seen concert footage, unprecedented behind-the-scenes access and special appearances from manager Scooter Braun, Pattie Mallette and many more.
DocumentaryWith extremely rare interview footage, join Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys on an intimate journey as he reminisces on his legendary career with long time friend and Rolling Stone editor, Jason Fine. Featuring a new song written and performed by Wilson and including interviews with superstars Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Nick Jonas, Linda Perry, Jim James, Gustavo Dudamel and Al Jardine. A quintessential watch for any Brian Wilson or The Beach Boys fan, as told first-hand by the incomparable artist.
DocumentaryThis musical documentary captures the elusive character of one of rock's greatest musicians: Rock 'n' Roll Hall-of-Famer Jimi Hendrix. Hendrix, arguably the most influential guitarist in the history of rock 'n' roll, is shown in rare performances, interviews and behind-the-scenes footage including such legendary songs as "Purple Haze," "Little Wing," and "Foxy Lady." Hendrix's all-too-brief career was cut short by a fatal overdose at the age of 27 in 1970. But for three years -- including his blistering (and some said controversial) performance of "The Star Spangled Banner," which closed 1969's Woodstock Festival -- Hendrix amassed a body of work that reshaped rock music. Featuring appearances by music legends Pete Townshend and Eric Clapton.
DocumentaryFrom the fuzzed out '60s to the experiemental sounds of today, guitar effects pedals have forever changed the course of popular music. In The Pedal Movie, pedal builders, engineers, players, and fans tell the story of how these strange little boxes of noise have evolved through the decades and how a totally unique industry of small scale artisans has grown up around them.
Music DocumentariesThe definitive documentary about the beloved and influential 70s rock band Big Star. Together less than four years, the band flirted with mainstream success but never achieved it. Nonetheless, they produced a body of work of seminal importance to pop and alternative music, influencing major artists like REM, The Replacements, Elliot Smith, Beck, The Flaming Lips and countless others.
DocumentaryFor over three decades, there's been one singular sensation: A Chorus Line, the groundbreaking hit musical inspired by the emotional lives of dancers during the audition process. Now the story comes full circle as a new documentary offers a revealing, unprecedented look at the auditions for the Broadway revival of the perennial classic, including interview footage with Bob Avian, Michael Bennett, Charlotte d'Amboise, Marvin Hamlisch and Donna McKechnie to name a few. The music, the moves and the real-life drama - they're all here in a documentary that brings you closer to the footlights than you ever thought possible.
Music DocumentariesBob Dylan is captured on-screen as he never would be again in this groundbreaking film from D. A. Pennebaker. The legendary documentarian finds Dylan in England during his 1965 tour, which would be his last as an acoustic artist. In this wildly entertaining vision of one of the twentieth century’s greatest artists, Dylan is surrounded by teen fans, gets into heated philosophical jousts with journalists, and kicks back with fellow musicians Joan Baez, Donovan, and Alan Price. Featuring some of Dylan’s most famous songs, including “Subterranean Homesick Blues,” “The Times They Are A-Changin’,” and “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue,” Dont Look Back is a radically conceived portrait of an American icon that has influenced decades of vérité behind-the-scenes documentaries.
DocumentaryCelebrated photographer, creative director and filmmaker Anton Corbijn’s first feature documentary SQUARING THE CIRCLE (THE STORY OF HIPGNOSIS) tells the story of Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey “Po” Powell, the creative geniuses behind the iconic album art design studio, Hipgnosis, responsible for some of the most recognizable album covers of all time, including ""The Dark Side of the Moon"" and ""Band on the Run."" They formed Hipgnosis in Cambridge during the ferment of the sixties and became rock royalty during the boom time of the seventies. They conjured into existence sights that no one had previously thought possible, produced visuals which popularized music that had previously been considered fringe, and were at the white-hot center of the maddest, funniest and most creative era in the history of popular mus
DocumentaryTraveling with the elusive jazz vocalist and trumpeter Chet Baker, the filmmaker Bruce Weber weaves together the life story of a jazz great. The film uses excerpts from Italian B movies, rare performance footage and candid interviews with Baker, musicians, friends, battling ex-wives and his children in what turned out to be the last year of his life. Winner of the 1989 Critics Prize at the Venice Film Festival and nominated for an Academy Award, Let's Get Lost has become an important document in the career of the filmmaker on the life of a jazz legend. Since its release in 1989, Let's Get Lost has introduced a whole new generation of jazz enthusiasts to the timeless talent of the late Chet Baker.
DocumentarySINATRA: ALL OR NOTHING AT ALL is an up-close and personal examination of the life, music and career of the legendary entertainer. Told in his own words from hours of archived interviews, along with commentary from those closest to him, the documentary weaves the music and images from Sinatra’s life together with rarely seen footage of Sinatra’s famous 1971 “Retirement Concert” in Los Angeles. The film’s narrative is shaped by Sinatra’s song choices for that concert, which Gibney interprets as the singer’s personal guide through his own life.
IndependentOn a beautiful June weekend in 1967, at the height of the Summer of Love, the first and only Monterey International Pop Festival roared forward, capturing a decade’s spirit and ushering in a new era of rock and roll. Monterey would launch the careers of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Otis Redding, but they were just a few among a wildly diverse cast that included Simon and Garfunkel, the Mamas and the Papas, the Who, the Byrds, Hugh Masekela, and the extraordinary Ravi Shankar. With his characteristic vérité style, D. A. Pennebaker captured it all, immortalizing moments that have become legend: Pete Townshend destroying his guitar, Jimi Hendrix burning his. The Criterion Collection is proud to present this timeless document of a landmark event.
Music DocumentariesDuran Duran Unstaged is a multimedia event that takes the audience on a cinematic journey with one of the most successful acts in the world during their performance at the Mayan Theater in Los Angeles. Directed by David Lynch.
DocumentaryIn the spring of 1971 the Rolling Stones departed the UK to take up residence in France as tax exiles. Keith Richards settled at a villa called Nellcôte in Villefranche-sur-Mer and this became the venue for the recording of much of the band s masterpiece Exile On Main Street . Stones In Exile tells the story in the band s own words and through extensive archive footage of their time away from England and the creation of this extraordinary double album, which many regard as the Rolling Stones finest achievement.
DocumentaryThe streets of Lawrence Massachusetts were and still are very rough. For a kid growing up in those streets it can be a challenge just to survive. Violence, drugs, guns, gangs, poverty, and anxiety can eat you alive. But through all of that; perseverance, love of family, bonds of friendship, and passion for music can be a lifeline. This is a story of how time and time again music saved Sully Erna and how that salvation manifested itself into the formation of the seminal, multi-platinum selling rock band Godsmack.
DocumentaryLong before punk rock inflicted its puncture wound on the map of mainstream music, the Descendents were in a van brewing a potent mix of pop, angst, love and coffee and influencing a generation to come. Interviews with the band and contemporaries such as Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters, Nirvana), Mark Hoppus (Blink-182), Mike Watt (Minutemen), Brett Gurewitz (Bad Religion) and others reveal the untold tale of one of the most overachieving and influential bands in punk.
DocumentaryThis Mike Figgis directed film is an intimate portrait of legendary Rolling Stones musician Ronnie Wood today as an artist, musician and survivor. A man still at the cutting edge in his seventies, the film tells the story from his humble beginnings in north London, where his older brothers shaped the musical powerhouse he would become, to the unique career that has not only spanned over 50 years (so far) but also traversed some of the most influential musicians the world has ever known including The Birds, Jeff Beck, The New Barbarians, Rod Stewart, The Faces and of course The Rolling Stones. Ronnie guides us on a journey through his life – painting and performing, accompanied by the friends, musicians and artists who have been part of his life over the years including Damian Hirst, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charl
DocumentaryIn this documentary by award-winning director and producer James Keach, we ride with Linda Ronstadt, musician Jackson Browne, and a busload of Cenzontles from Arizona to the little town of Banámichi in Sonora, Mexico, where Ronstadt's grandfather was born.
DocumentaryIt’s the hit musical that changed Broadway forever and brought the genius of Lin Manuel Miranda to the attention of legions of fans across the world. A story of how a group of mavericks made an unlikely marriage of hip-hop and history to create the biggest show in America…and are getting ready toconquer the world. Featuring interviews with Miranda, as well as the cast and crew of Hamilton.
DocumentaryThe Los Angeles punk music scene circa 1980 is the focus of this film. Featuring legendary punk bands Alice Bag Band, Black Flag, Catholic Discipline, Circle Jerks, Fear, Germs, and X. THE DECLINE OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION is an immersive tour of in-your-face filmmaking and music that's "a bracing, stimulating and technically superb close-up look at the L.A. punk scene." - Variety
DocumentaryBefore Drake and The Weeknd, there was a different set of Toronto musicians who ruled the roost. Known simply as Triumph, this rock-trio dominated radio and MTV in the 80s, and were the envy of the touring business with even Michael Jackson taking a page out of their live show book. But despite being one of the world’s biggest rock bands, the trio split at the height of their fame and seemingly disappeared without explanation to their fans or media. Set to a mesmerizing visual backdrop of spandex, 80s hair, and explosive pyro, TRIUMPH: ROCK & ROLL MACHINE reveals a deeper story about fame and the human condition as the band reunites for what might be the very last time they play music together.
Music DocumentariesIn this exclusive documentary, Joni Mitchell, one of the foremost singer- songwriters and poets of our time, tells her story with in-depth interviews interwoven with her words and music. Rare performance footage of her work reflects both the pain and joy of her extraordinary life as an artist. The programme also features interviews with the artists who know her personally and who have worked with her, such as David Crosby, Graham Nash, Neil Young, Judy Collins and Bob Dylan and the contemporary artists she has influenced, Janet Jackson (“The Beat of Black Wings”), Amy Grant (“Big Yellow Taxi”), Tori Amos (“A Case of You”), Prince (“A Case of You”), Sarah McLachnan (“A Case of You”), Bonnie Raitt (“Woodstock”) and Bjork (“Boho Dance”).
Documentary“Wish You Were Here”, released in September 1975, was the follow up album to the globally successful “The Dark Side Of The Moon” and is cited by many fans, as well as band members Richard Wright and David Gilmour, as their favorite Pink Floyd album. On release it went straight to Number One in both the UK and the US and topped the charts in many other countries around the world. This program tells the story of the making of this landmark release through new interviews with Roger Waters, David Gilmour and Nick Mason and archive interviews with the late Richard Wright. Also featured are sleeve designer Storm Thorgerson, guest vocalist Roy Harper, front cover “burning man” Ronnie Rondell and others involved in the creation of the album. In addition, original recording engineer Brian Humphries revisits the mast
DocumentaryA legendary Texas rock radio station broke new records, attracting top music artists all the while whipping its listeners into a frenzy. “Runaway Radio" focuses on Houston's 101 KLOL – from its humble beginnings in 1970, to how it evolved into one of the top Album Oriented Rock stations in the country. It was seemingly unstoppable until the government stepped in. Lyle Lovett, ZZ Top’s Dusty Hill, Melissa Etheridge and Sammy Hagar along with top DJs reflect on the station and its screwball DJs.
Documentary20,000 Days On Earth is an inventive, lyrical ode to creativity and an intimate examination of the artistic process of musician and cultural icon Nick Cave. In their debut feature directors Iain Forsyth&Jane Pollard fuse drama and documentary, weaving a staged day in Cave's life with never-before-seen verité observation of his creative cycle. It features those who have affected his life, including wry tales from the road shared with his regular collaborator, the multi-instrumentalist Warren Ellis; actor and friend Ray Winstone; and Kylie Minogue, who shared a duet with Cave in the breakout hit "Wherethe Wild Roses Grow." These voices from the past revisit Cave in daydream-like scenes as he sits behind the wheel driving through his adopted hometown of Brighton, England. Neither a music documentary nor a concert film, 2
DocumentaryFrom Academy Award winner Alex Gibney, Finding Fela takes a look at Afrobeat creator Fela Kuti and how his life and music inspired an entire continent and brought Pan Africanist politics to the world.
Music DocumentariesThe unmistakable voice of Whitney Houston is powerful and timeless. She became one of the most accomplished recording artists of all time, but her heart was always in Gospel music. From her first performance in front of an audience to the best-selling Gospel album of all time, The Preacher's Wife, experience how profoundly Gospel music influenced her personal life and helped shape her career.
Music Documentaries"An intimate documentary portrait of England's greatest lost musical genius." - The Guardian. By the beginning of the 2000s, Lawrence is struggling and about to be evicted from his Belgravia rooms while his latest incarnation, Go-Kart Mozart, attempt to 'rehearse live' for an upcoming tour that never materializes. From back street pubs to Paris and on to the Hammersmith Odeon, opening to an empty auditorium, Lawrence maintains a rugged determination that will not give up, no matter how adverse the terrain. Follow the creation of an album, and various attempts at promotion while homeless and condemned to hostel living, and finally the glimmer of a new beginning where hope and redemption become bedfellows with Lawrence's famed 'abject passive misery'. Paul Kelly's stirring character study of life lived within the margins
DocumentaryA surrealist biographical documentary narrated by Moby as he reflects on his turbulent personal life and iconic music from underground punk bands to chart-topping solo artist, and from struggling addict to vegan activist. Featuring interviews with David Lynch and David Bowie, along with extraordinary concert footage, Moby Doc is an unvarnished look at an artist who has sold more than 20 million albums.
DocumentaryIn 1980, Motörhead released their fourth studio album 'Ace Of Spades'. Loud, fast and overwhelmingly heavy, 'Ace Of Spades' would propel Motörhead into the ranks of metal's elite and 25 years later is still considered a benchmark album in its genre. Shortly after releasing their self-titled debut album, guitarist 'Fast' Eddie Clarke joined the band, resulting in what would become the classic Motrhead line up of Lemmy (bass/vocals), 'Fast' Eddie Clarke (guitar) and Philip 'Philthy Animal' Taylor(drums). This film sees Lemmy, Eddie and Taylor talk candidly about the writing and recording of the album and the goings on inside the Motrhead camp at the time. Watch Eddie as he demonstrates how the riff for "Ace Of Spades" came about, and see the trio (with the help of modern technology) together on the same stage once aga
Music Documentaries"Springsteen & I" is a unique feature music documentary celebrating a rock 'n' roll icon: Bruce Springsteen. Working with the filmmakers, Springsteen's fans have helped create a film that reflects on their personal insights and experiences to explore what this timeless artist means to them. Their stories are at times touching, at times humorous, at times extraordinary and they all come from the heart. Combined with previously unseen archive footage of performances throughout Springsteen's career, this is a film by the fans and for the fans created with the full support of Bruce Springsteen. "This beautifully crafted film provides a unique insight into the powerful bond between a recording artist and those who connect so profoundly with his music." Ridley Scott, Executive Producer.
DocumentaryPhotographer Jim Marshall captures the height of the Rock and Roll music era, from the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix, to the civil rights movements and some of the most iconic moments of the 60's.