2012 Tucson Film and Music Festival

Now in its eight annual iteration, the homegrown Tucson Film and Music Festival returns to Tucson on October 11-14. Featuring a great selection of films about music, local music and special events, this year’s fest again delivers a unique and engaging array of activities. With a total of 35 films on tap, including 15 premiere screenings, this is a great chance for Tucsonans to be the first to see quality films about music and the people who make it.  A few highlights of films screened in advance, are outlined below.

Give Me The Banjo

Narrated by comedian and banjo musician Steve Martin, this documentary traces the history and evolution of the banjo. From its African roots, to its acceptance in mainstream music and the evolution of different musical styles such as bluegrass, this documentary is both entertaining and eye opening. It would be hard to imagine any other musical instrument having such dynamic and complex of a history as does the banjo. The film shows on Thursday evening, October 11 at Cinema La Placita.

Vinyl

This southwestern premiere screening of Vinyl tells the story of an aging band’s attempt to re-invent itself and become relevant in the modern world of young, pre-packaged corporate music. Based loosely on the famous story of the band “The Alarm” and their sneaky re-introduction, years after they had had a hit. With an excellent cast and dead-on portrayal of the “business” of music, this film is both funny and entertaining. It screens on Saturday, October 13 at El Con Cinemark Theatre.

My Father and the Man in Black

A bittersweet documentary by the son of Johnny Cash’s agent/manager, this film traces Cash’s rise to fame and the price paid by one of his closest confidants. Surprisingly touching, it’s a cautionary tale about family, shifting priorities and the price of fame. It shows on Saturday, October 13 at El Con.

The History of Future Folk

A delightful mash-up of Sci-Fi, comedy and music, “Future Folk” tells the story of aliens who were sent to take over the earth and fall in love with music – something they don’t have at home. Quirky, funny and entertaining, the movie is a real treat. It screens Saturday night at El Con.

Chasing Home

An interesting narrative piece about a trio of siblings who reunite to find their missing father, “Chasing Home” accurately portrays the shifting dynamic of sibling relationships as they struggle to come to terms with the notion of mortality and their own decisions. This screening is a West Coast premiere, set to play at El Con on Saturday, October 14.

Bad Brains: A Band in D.C.

The groundbreaking punk/reggae band Bad Brains are profiled in this documentary that examines their roots, cult status and ultimately frustrating existence. Shackled by complex interpersonal battles, their potential is both realized and stymied as they attempt to remain a band. Sprinkled with excellent archival footage and testimonials by other musicians, the film is a fitting overview of a groundbreaking musical talent. The film screens Saturday at El Con.

Also playing during the festival is the new film from Allison Anders and Kurt Voss entitled “Strutter,” which details several complex relationships and the struggling musician scene in L.A. This movie plays at the Loft on Friday night. An excellent shorts program featuring the delightful “Arthur and the Bunnies,” screens on Saturday afternoon at El Con, and a video music shorts program will be shown on Saturday morning at El Con. For more information on the festival, visit their website at TucsonFilmAndMusicFestival.com

Category: Film