The 55th annual Nashville Film Festival (NashFilm) will launch this year’s event with a double feature of “Devo,” a documentary featuring the iconic 1980s de-evolution rock band, and “Rebel Country,” a documentary exposing and energizing country music culture in Nashville. The festival will close with “This Is a Film About The Black Keys,” a documentary following the band’s remarkable journey to stardom.
“Devo” offers an in-depth look at the band Devo’s groundbreaking music, innovative videos and counter-cultural roots, showcasing their visionary outlook from over 50 years ago. Directed by Chris Smith and featuring band members Bob Casale, Gerald Casale and Mark and Robert Mothersbaugh, this dazzling and fun-filled documentary delves into the creativity and philosophies that have cemented the group’s unique legacy and serves as a perfect fit for the opening night of Music City’s historic film festival.
Directed by Francis Whately, “Rebel Country” shows how the tensions of race, class, poverty, gender, sexuality and creativity versus commerce and geography are still alive and kicking in the US today. Between rapper Lil Nas X and his country-inflected hit ‘Old Town Road,’ Beyoncé’s latest groundbreaking album ‘Cowboy Carter’ and a new breed of authentic stars, such as the rapper-turned-country singer Jelly Roll, Grammy award-winning singer Lainey Wilson, Black musicians Breland and Blanco Brown, out LGBTQ+ artists Sam Williams (grandson of Hank Williams) and Brooke Eden, and Hispanic heritage hitmaker Frank Ray, today’s country artists are emblematic of a seismic shift that is happening in US country music. With archive footage featuring the original rebels like Johnny Cash, contributions from musicians, historians and journalists and incredible live performances, this film is an exploration of how art and music reflect the times we live in.
Closing out this year’s festival, and directed by Jeff Dupre, “This Is a Film About The Black Keys” chronicles the journey of The Black Keys, from their humble beginnings in Akron, Ohio, to their rise to rock stardom with hit albums “Brothers” and “El Camino.” It delves into the lesser-known tensions between Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney, revealing the complex bond that has kept them together through decades of relentless touring and personal challenges.
“We are excited to be opening and closing the 55th annual festival with three powerful documentaries about renowned bands and artists that have shaped pop culture and our city,” said Lauren Thelen, Programming Director of NashFilm. “These films offer an intimate look into the journeys and trials of fame, and we are eager to see how Music City audiences rally around the reflections and messages vibrantly crafted from the familiar tunes. These selections are just a glimpse of the festival’s offerings, and we are honored to include them in this year’s lineup.”