The Nashville Film Festival (NashFilm) revealed the first four official films selected for its 54th annual event taking place from September 28 – October 4, 2023.
The first four official selections confirmed to screen at the upcoming festival include Uncharted directed by Beth Aala; Asleep in My Palm directed by Henry Nelson; It’s Only Life After All directed by Alexandria Bombach; and Black Barbie: A Documentary directed by Lagueria Davis.
UNCHARTED | Directed by Beth Aala | Starring Alicia Keys, Ayoni, DaVionne, Jean Deaux and more
Produced by Everywoman Studios, filmmaker Beth Aala takes audiences behind the scenes of Alicia Keys’ She Is The Music songwriting camp in this revealing look at the music business that focuses on the lack of access and opportunity granted to young black and brown women. The camp’s participants take center stage as they try to break through the industry with the next big hit song. Along the way, Keys shares her struggles in the music industry as well as her dedication to working with and championing opportunities for women in music to help them succeed.
ASLEEP IN MY PALM | Directed by Henry Nelson | Starring Tim Blake Nelson, Chloe Kerwin and more
ASLEEP IN MY PALM explores the nature of parenthood and class in America as a father and daughter live off the grid in rural Ohio near a small liberal arts college. The two must face the challenges of her sexual awakening and need for independence as he escapes his violent and conflicted past. At once poignant and mordantly funny, the film delves into an America rarely seen, while juxtaposing it with the rarified privileges of an elite college in the social media age.
IT’S ONLY LIFE AFTER ALL | Directed by Alexandria Bombach | Starring Amy Ray, Emily Saliers, Winona LaDuke
Blending 40 years of home movies, raw film archives and intimate present-day verité, this film is a poignant reflection from Amy Ray & Emily Saliers of Indigo Girls – the iconic folk rock duo. IT’S ONLY LIFE AFTER ALL is a timely look into the obstacles, activism, and life lessons of two queer friends who never expected to make it big.
BLACK BARBIE | Directed by Lagueria Davis | Starring Beulah Mae Mitchell, Kitty Black Perkins, Stacey Mcbride-Irby, Ashley Blaine-Featherson Jenkins, Gabourey Sidibe and Julissa Calderon
Through intimate access to a charismatic Mattel insider, Beulah Mae Mitchell, BLACK BARBIE delves into the cross-section of merchandise and representation as Black women strive to elevate their own voices and stories, refusing to be invisible.
“We’re thrilled to share these films as a sneak peek into this year’s incredibly unique and vibrant slate of programming,” said Director of Programming Lauren Thelen. “After the thousands of submissions we received, we’re grateful for the filmmakers who continue to ensure NashFilm presents some of the best and most timely films in the world.”
Each of the four films announced today will screen in person at one of the festival’s select venues, previously announced as the Belcourt Theater, Regal Green Hills, the Franklin Theatre, Vanderbilt’s Rothschild Black Box Theater and Sarratt Cinema. A portion of this year’s full program, to be announced later in August, will also be available to screen virtually.