DocumentaryIn CATCHING FIRE: THE STORY OF ANITA PALLENBERG, directors Alexis Bloom and Svetlana Zill put a female perspective back in the official narrative of rock ‘n’ roll. This intimate documentary reveals the story of an unapologetic rock ‘n’ roller, actress, mother, and muse to the Rolling Stones, who rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s. Using the words of her unpublished memoir, read by Scarlett Johansson, Anita draws us deep into her world with the help of her family – Marlon, Angela, and their father Keith Richards. Never-before-seen home movies and family photographs explore life with the Rolling Stones. This is a bittersweet tale of both triumph and heartbreak; Anita Pallenberg was a woman ahead of her time.
Music DocumentariesAn intimate portrait of the Canadian stadium rockers' rollercoaster career. From their rural roots in Alberta to becoming one of the most successful, yet divisive acts in music history.
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.
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.
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, Tina Turner, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Willie Nelson, Paul Simon, Bette Midler, Diana Ross, and many more.
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.
DocumentaryThe never-before-told story of folk-rock icon Judee Sill, who in just two years went from living in a car to appearing on the cover of Rolling Stone. The documentary charts her troubled adolescence through her meteoric rise in the music world and early tragic death. Featuring Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Fleet Foxes, David Geffen, and more.
DocumentaryGiuseppe Tornatore, director of the beloved CINEMA PARADISO, turns his camera on his longtime collaborator Ennio Morricone (1928 - 2020) in a moving and comprehensive profile of the indefatigable composer. Tornatore’s documentary portrait explores the breadth of the maestro’s career, from his early Italian pop songs to the fistful of unforgettable film scores that he wrote, including THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY, THE THING, DAYS OF HEAVEN, and hundreds of others. This examination thoughtfully captures insightful commentary from Morricone’s closest collaborators and contemporaries, featuring testimonies from artists and directors such as Bernardo Bertolucci, Marco Bellocchio, Giuliano Montaldo, Dario Argento, Clint Eastwood, Joan Baez, Quentin Tarantino, and more. ENNIO affords the master one last chance to recount his career and deconstruct the artistic process that led him to win two Academy Awards and author over 500 unforgettable soundtracks.
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.
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 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 precarious lifestyle, saw her life tragically begin to unravel, resulting in her untimely death in July 2011 at the age of 27.
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!
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 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 Papas), Stephen Stills (Buffalo Springfield), David Crosby (The Byrds), Roger McGuinn (The Byrds) their contemporaries Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Graham Nash and slightly
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.
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 1970." This ground-breaking documentary also offered an early career boost to a young Martin Scorsese ("GoodFellas," "The Aviator"), who served as an editor and assistant
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.
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.
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 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 fans who love — as one of Santana's famous titles says— “how his rhythm goes.”
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 century. This film not only captures the Festival in all of its beauty and glory, but also delves deep into the rich culture of The Big Easy.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
DocumentaryCHAVELA is the captivating look at the unconventional life of beloved performer Chavela Vargas, whose passionate renditions of Mexican popular music and triumphant return to the stage late in life brought her international fame.Born in Costa Rica in 1919, Chavela Vargas ran away to Mexico City as a teenager to sing in the streets. By the 1950s, she became a household name in her adopted country, delivering her performances with a raw passion and unique voice. Just as influential were her cultural contributions; Chavela was a bold, rebellious, sexual pioneer who was known for having many female lovers at a time when being out in Mexico was dangerous.Chavela centers around a 1991 interview--the singer's first public appearance after 15 hard years lost to alcoholism and heartbreak. In the final years of her life, Chavela openly comes out as a lesbian and rises into her momentous third act, becoming a muse to filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar, earning a Lifetime Achievement Grammy, and selling ou
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.
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 with massive success. The band’s achievements have rippled back home to affect their family, who take great pride in, and some of the credit for, the cousins who made it
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.
DocumentaryA sound that defined a genre, shattered stereotypes and forever changed popular culture.As the first multi-platinum-selling, all-female band to play their own instruments, write their own songs and have a #1 album, The Go-Go’s are the definitive female rock band. Director Alison Ellwood digs deep into the annals of Go-Go’s history, revealing all their hard work and exciting times, along with the messy truths and painful consequences, while never losing sight of their accomplishments. To this day, The Go-Go’s live on as the band who paved the way for female musicians in the music industry.
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 Ronk as well the unedited Apothecary Scene from his historical 1966 tour of the U.K., never released until now.
Music DocumentariesA full length documentary film of the untold story of one of the most successful American rock bands of their era. In-depth interviews of all 6 original members, along with never-before-seen footage, recount their rise as only they could tell it.
DocumentaryShot on vivid 16mm film over a three-year period, Anonymous Club chronicles notoriously shy, Melbourne-based musician Courtney Barnett’s ups and downs on the world tour for her album Tell Me How You Really Feel. Featuring Barnett’s unguarded narration from her audio diary, recorded on a dictaphone provided by filmmaker Danny Cohen, the film delivers frank and unprecedented insight into Barnett’s creative process, the sacrifices and inner conflicts set in motion by fame, and the sometimes dark backdrop to her whimsical, relatably poetic compositions.
Music DocumentariesA profile of legendary guitar and mandolin builder John Monteleone, whose instruments are on permanent exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Features musical tributes and interviews with Mark Knopfler, David Grisman, Mike Marshall, Ben Harper, Julian Lage, Woody Mann, Anthony Wilson, Jimmy Bruno, Frank Vignola and others. The film covers the multi-faceted artist whose guitars are known not only for their incredible sound, but also for their visually striking and innovative designs.
DocumentaryRebel Dread tells the story of Don Letts, the iconic cultural mover and shaker. In the nascent punk scene of the 1970s and 1980s, Letts introduced reggae to the punks, influencing a whole generation of rock bands.
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.
DocumentaryDon't Stop Believin': Everyman's Journey follows the real life rock 'n' roll fairy tale of Filipino Arnel Pineda, who was plucked from YouTube to become the front man for iconic American rock band Journey. In this Cinderella story for the ages, Arnel, having overcome a lifetime's worth of hardships, must now navigate the immense pressures of replacing a legendary singer and leading a world-renowned band on their most extensive world tour in years.
DocumentaryWith unfettered access to the Zappa Vault and all its archival footage, Zappa explores the private life behind the mammoth musical career that never shied away from the political turbulence of its time. Alex Winter’s assembly features appearances by Frank’s widow Gail Zappa and several of Frank’s musical collaborators including Mike Keneally, Ian Underwood, Steve Vai, Pamela Des Barres, Bunk Gardner, David Harrington, Scott Thunes, Ruth Underwood, Ray White and others.
DocumentaryA startling and powerful new film derived from 200 hours of footage, stills & heretofore unpublished music from John Lennon's and Yoko Ono's personal collection. A moving and revealing look at a man who was a musician, artist, writer, poet, and whose fame lives on.
DocumentaryThe life and career of rock ‘n’ roll icon Joan Jett from her early years ripping it up onstage as the founder and backbone of hard-rock legends The Runaways, to her long time collaboration with Kenny Laguna as Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, and her enduring presence in pop culture as a rock pioneer and mentor. With her inimitable singles “I Love Rock N’ Roll,” and “Bad Reputation” Joan Jett inspired a generation of young women to rock.
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 music. During this period, record companies didn’t dictate to acts like Peter Gabriel, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Paul McCartney what their LP covers should look like -
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 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.
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.
DocumentaryClassically trained pianist, dive-bar chanteuse, black power icon and legendary recording artist, Nina Simone lived a life of brutal honesty, musical genius and tortured melancholy. In this epic documentary, director Liz Garbus interweaves never-before-heard recordings and rare archival footage together with Nina’s most memorable songs, to create an unforgettable portrait of one of the least understood, yet most beloved, artists of our time. What happpened, Miss Simone? uses recently unearthed audiotapes, recorded over the course of three decades, of Nina telling her life story to various interviewers and would-be biographers. From over 100 hours of these recordings, the film weaves together Nina’s narrative, told largely in her own words. Rare concert footage and archival interviews, along with diaries, letters, interviews with Nina’s daughter, Lisa Simone Kelly, friends and collaborators, along with other exclusive materials, make this the most authentic, personal and unflinchi
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.
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
Music DocumentariesDuran Duran's live show becomes immortalized on the big screen. Featuring exclusive new interviews, behind-the-scenes video and unseen archival footage, the film celebrates the band's four-decade-long career.
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.
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.
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 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 journey in his own unique way: How did The Beatles do this? How did they cope with all the fame and pressure? How did they not only survive, but go on to revolutionise popular
DocumentaryThe Rolling Stones' record-breaking 1981 arena tour from director Hal Ashby (Shampoo). Featuring 25 of the biggest Rolling Stones' songs from the first 20 years, "The Rolling Stones: Let's Spend the Night Together" gives, in the words of Mick Jagger, "a feel of what it's like to be there" as 20 cameras take you onstage with the band in this groundbreaking, dynamic tour.
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.
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 the band today. His recollections, from the beginningto the very end, mingle with the tales of drummer Artimus Pyle and “Sweet Home”co-writer Ed King, interviews with
DocumentaryFeaturing never-before-seen archival footage, studio outtakes, and rare photos, Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool tells the story of a truly singular talent and unpacks the music and the myth of the man behind the horn.
DocumentaryThe world’s most talented young pianists compete in the International Chopin Piano Competition, held every five years in Warsaw, Poland. A rare behind the scenes look at the triumphant highs and crushing lows of competition, Pianoforte is both a testament to the remarkable power of music and an intimate coming-of-age portrait.
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 Feature Films"Life is But a Dream" is an intimate portrait of global entertainer & businesswoman, Beyoncé. Culled from her archives, video diaries and performances.
DocumentaryJon Bon Jovi has personified rock stardom for 40 years. Having originally formed in New Jersey, hits like "Living on a Prayer" and "It's My Life" have contributed to more than 100 million records sold worldwide. Frontman Bon Jovi is also a philanthropist, spending time with the Soul Foundation which fights hunger.
Music DocumentariesTears For Fears produced one of the greatest albums from the new wave rock scene of the 1980s and with Songs from The Big Chair they defined the era. The Songs From the Big Chair album took the gothic synth-pop foundations of the band and combined them with arena-ready anthems leading to critical acclaim and the international hit singles Mothers Talk, Shout and Everybody Wants To Rule The World. With full cooperation of the band, this documentary explores how the album was recorded and the band left their indelible imprint on New Wave.
Documentary“Song For Hope” is the remarkable story of world renowned trumpet soloist, Ryan Anthony. When diagnosed with a rare, terminal blood cancer and given just months to live, Ryan and his wife Niki started the charity “CancerBlows" raising awareness and vital funds for cancer research by organizing huge music concert tours with some of the world’s greatest musicians. These included Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of famers “Chicago”, Doc Severinsen from Jonny Carson’s Tonight Show, Dave Matthews Band, Grammy Winner Arturo Sandoval and even the trumpet soloist of Ricky Martin’s "Livin’ La Vida Loca”! During Ryan's treatment, he also climbed Mt. Fuji with his oncologist playing his trumpet at the summit at sunrise. Now, eight years into his fight with the terminal affliction, this award-winning documentary feature film, follows Ryan as he tours the United States tirelessly performing and recording with the world's greatest musicians and teaching students everywhere about why music
DocumentaryKilling Me Softly With His Songs is a musical documentary about composer Charles Fox, known for pop hits such as "Killing Me Softly With His Song," "I Got A Name,” and "Ready To Take A Chance Again," as well as numerous iconic television show themes and internationally beloved salsa music. The film follows Fox’s life and career from the streets of the Bronx, to his education at the Fontainbleau music conservatory near Paris, and finally to Havana, Cuba where Fox “returns to his musical roots.” Witness some of the most phenomenal live music you will ever experience — featuring Anne Sila (winner of French version of The Voice), Common, A.J. Croce (son of the legendary Jim Croce), Henry Winkler (Happy Days, Barry), Paul Williams (Academy award winning composer), Rita Wilson (Actor, Producer), Jason Alexander (Seinfeld, and Tony Award winner), Alexandre Desplat (Academy award winner) and Alain Boublil (Les Miserable; Miss Saigon), the film is joyous, funny, poignant and above all
Music DocumentariesStill a Mountain Girl explores Loretta Lynn’s hard-fought road to stardom, her struggles to balance her marriage and six children with her music career. Featuring new interviews with Loretta, Jack White, Willie Nelson, Miranda Lambert and more.
DocumentaryThe 5 Browns: Digging Through The Darkness follows the journey of The 5 Browns – a family of five piano prodigies – from their triumphant musical career to the disclosure of child sex abuse and the subsequent fight for healing and social justice.
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 and beloved scores in history: “James Bond”, “Star Wars,” “Indiana Jones,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Titanic,” “The Social Network,” “Mad Max:
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 and a train that was bound for glory.
Music DocumentariesA Tribe Called Quest has been one of the most commercially successful and artistically significant musical groups in recent history. The band’s sudden break-up in 1998 shocked the industry and saddened the scores of fans, whose appetite for the group's innovative musical stylings never seem to diminish. This insightful film, directed by Michael Rapaport, takes viewers on a behind-the-scenes journey - chronicling the group's rise to fame and revealing the stories behind the tensions which erupted in the years to come. The film features interviews with the members of the group as well as with the Beastie Boys, Kanye West, Pharrell, Mos Def, Monie Love, De la Soul, the Jungle Brothers, Common and more.
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 new ones.
Music DocumentariesAcademy Award winning director Jonathan Demme (SILENCE OF THE LAMBS) beautifully captures Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legend Neil Young as he prepares and presents the performance of a lifetime with the help of his wife Pegi and friends country star Emmylou Harris, steel guitarist Ben Keith and more at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry.
Music DocumentariesTHE OTHER F WORD is a revealing and touching look at what happens when a generation's ultimate anti-authoritarians, punk rockers, become society's ultimate authorities, dads. Featuring Blink-182's Mark Hoppus, Everclear's Art Alexakis, Red Hot Chili Peppers' Flea, and more, the film follows Jim Lindberg, a 20-year veteran of the skate punk band Pennywise, on his hysterical and moving journey from rocker to dad.
DocumentaryIn the 70s, Randy Rhoads’ guitar riffs reshaped rock ’n’ roll and raised the stakes for guitarists everywhere. As the lead guitarist for Quiet Riot and Ozzy Osbourne, Randy made a name for himself at a very young age. You can still hear his hair-raising guitar solos on the albums Blizzard of Oz & Diary of a Madman. Tragically, Randy died at the young age of 25 in a plane crash. Known as the James Dean of rock ’n’ roll, he left this world too soon, but his soul and music live on forever.
Music DocumentariesGet ready to rock out with the most entertaining "golden oldies" you will ever meet, a fun-loving senior citizen's choir called Young@Heart. To prepare for a show in their hometown that is only weeks away, the lovable seniors must learn a slate of new songs, ranging from James Brown to Coldplay. The chorus' tireless musical director leads the group through a series of hilariously chaotic rehearsals, proving that hard rock can be hard work - especially when you're hard of hearing! Their inspiring story celebrates the unbreakable bonds of friendship and the life-affirming power of music!
DocumentaryDuring the 1990s, Stretch and Bobbito introduced the world to an unsigned Nas, Biggie, Wu-Tang, and Big Pun as well as an unknown Jay-Z, Eminem, and the Fugees. The total record sales for all the artists that premiered on their radio show exceed 300 million. The late night program had a cult following in the art/fashion world and prison population as well. All would loyally tune in for the humor just as much for the exclusive tunes. Stretch and Bobbito brought a unique audience together, and created a platform that changed music forever.
DocumentaryFeaturing a powerful cast of electronic dance music superstars, including Carl Cox and Martin Garrix, this critically acclaimed documentary explores the past, present and future of electronic dance music. What We Started is the definitive film of the genre, and includes an exclusive look into a widely misunderstood and well-insulated industry on its way to global domination.
Documentary“Sum Of The Parts” is the official authorised story of Genesis made with the full co-operation of the band members. It tells of the band’s formation at Charterhouse (where Tony Banks, Peter Gabriel and Mike Rutherford were all pupils) in the late sixties and the release of their debut album “From Genesis To Revelation”. The story then moves on through the departure of founder member Anthony Phillips and the arrival of Phil Collins and Steve Hackett in 1970 to form the 5-man line-up that established the band’s career with albums such as “Foxtrot” and “The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway”. Peter Gabriel’s departure in 1975 and then Steve Hackett’s in 1977 led to the release of the album “And Then There Were Three…” and a move towards shorter, more immediate songs. The eighties and nineties were triumphant decades for Genesis with hugely successful hit albums and singles around the world such as “Genesis”, “Invisible Touch” and “We Can’t Dance”. At t
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”.
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!
DocumentaryThis documentary traces how popular music helped propel Jimmy Carter to the White House, and the significant role that music has played in President Carter’s life and work.
DocumentaryA Year and a Half captures the band working in the studio on their groundbreaking 1991 album, Metallica (over 30 million worldwide sales). Featuring the videos "Enter Sandman," "The Unforgiven" and "Nothing Else Matters", the film also covers the saga of Metallica on tour as it unfolds through concert performances, jam sessions and daily adventures in locker rooms, hotel rooms and arenas around the world.
DocumentaryThough culminating with the farewell concert the band played to thousands of adoring fans in their hometown of Sheffield, England, PULP is by no means a traditional concert film or rock doc. As much a testament to the band as it is to the city and inhabitants of Sheffield, PULP weaves exclusive concert footage with man-on-the-street interviews and dreamy staged sequences to paint a picture much larger, funnier, moving, and life-affirming than any music film of recent memory.
DocumentaryA composer, conductor, musical genius like no other, Marvin Hamlisch is the artist responsible for some of the most iconic music of our time. Hits like the Broadway sensation A Chorus Line and Oscar winning scores for "The Way We Were" and "The Sting" cemented his place in music history. At the extraordinary age of 31 he became one of two PEGOT winners ever, having won a total of 4 Grammys, 3 Oscars, an Emmy, Tony and a Pulitzer prize. Featuring new interviews with close friends including: Barbra Streisand, Woody Allen, Carly Simon, Steven Soderbergh, Quincy Jones and many more, Director Dori Berinstein's documentary is a moving, deeply personal testament to a talent broadway, cinema and music has never seen before.
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.
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 with the full co-operation and involvement of The Rolling Stones, ‘Crossfire Hurricane’ is and will remain the definitive story of the world’s greatest rock ‘n’ r
Music DocumentariesBACK TO BLACK tells the real story of how Amy’s best known and most celebrated body of work came into being. Featuring previously unseen footage of Amy in the studio, new interviews with producers Mark Ronson and Salaam Remi, and the musicians who worked with Amy on the album, it offers fresh insights into Amy’s remarkable gifts as a singer, songwriter, musician and performer. Also includes AN INTIMATE EVENING IN LONDON, footage from a private show Amy hosted in February 2008, which has never been seen – until now. Amy’s performance sees her in fine form, relaxed and playing for family and friends on the evening she won five Grammy® awards.
DocumentaryIn this follow-up to the 1981 punk rock documentary "The Decline of Western Civilization," filmmaker Penelope Spheeris dissects the world of heavy metal. Through live performance footage and interviews that feature popular hard rock musicians, Spheeris examines the metal genre and the opulent Los Angeles music scene of the late 1980s; highlights include Ozzy Osbourne discussing the tedium of sobriety over breakfast and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler claiming to have spent a small fortune on drugs.
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” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and an epic version of “Sympathy For The Devil” complete with African drummers and dancers. Newly restored, remixed and remastered,
DocumentaryAbove Us Only Sky reveals the depth of the creative collaboration between John and Yoko on John’s ‘Imagine’ album, bringing the period to life whilst at the same time outlining the relevance of the music and their message to a contemporary audience. The film examines how the art, activism, politics and music of the pair are intrinsically entwined, with full cooperation from and exclusive access to Yoko Ono and the John Lennon Estate.
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.
Documentary'Aja’ was the first British Top 10 hit for Steely Dan and was also the first album by Becker and Fagen as a duo. Becker and Fagen, renowned for their relentless perfectionism in the recording studio, recall the history of an album that was year in the making, but rewarded by a prestigious Grammy Award and three major hit singles, “Peg”, “Deacon Blues” and “Josie”. Steely Dan's ‘Aja’ has proved to be one of the most outstanding jazz-rock albums in the history of popular music. This is a vivid portrait of a 70s record that is still as fresh and as memorable decades after its release, a true Classic Album.
Concert FilmsFilmed throughout the band's 2009 rehearsals and acclaimed summer tour, No Distance Left to Run finds the four members of Blur together for the first time in nine years. With previously unseen archive material alongside revealing new interviews and reportage, the film recounts Blur's highs and lows, from Colchester and Goldsmiths, to their headline return at Glastonbury and Hyde Park. No Distance Left To Run is the story of an English band and a portrait of enduring friendship and resolution.
DocumentaryCypress Hill: Insane In The Brain is a smoke filled journey across the lives and careers of groundbreaking, genre defying Hip Hop group, Cypress Hill. Their unique sound was built on a movement rooted in true authenticity: from cultivating the flower, to smoking it, to rapping about it, their sound is forever burned into the musical landscape of Hip Hop. It's been 30 years and they are still as relevant as ever. Trailblazers beyond the herb, they legitimized Latino rappers at a time before Hip Hop was in every home across the globe. Told through the eyes/lens of photographer, former tour manager, friend, LA Icon and director of the acclaimed LA ORIGINALS, Estevan Oriol, the film is an intimate exploration of the famed yet underappreciated rap & cannabis icons. Using a treasure trove of never before seen archival footage captured by the director himself, as well as his portraiture of the band's four main members, B Real, DJ Muggs, Sen Dog and Eric Bobo, Estevan tells the story of a brot
DocumentaryIn the mid 1990's the Dayton, OH music scene was generating worldwide buzz from the influential indie rock being produced there. Arguably the most innovative was the band Brainiac, led by musical genius and charismatic front man Tim Taylor. On the verge of signing a major label record deal Taylor was tragically killed in an auto accident leaving his family and bandmates to pick up the pieces.