VIFF: Music in the Movies

Mahler, Rachmaninov and Wagner meet The Magnetic Fields, the history of gospel and the world’s greatest undiscovered jazz at this year’s VIFF. Here are just a few of the offerings on view.

Checkpoint Rock: Songs from Palestine
(Checkpoint Rock: Canciones Desde Palestina), Spain, Directors: Javier Corcuera, Fermin Muguruza

That music often flourishes despite – and maybe because of – desperate times is brought home with joyous and affecting force in Javier Corcuera and Fermin Muguruza’s journey through the Palestinian music scene. From uncannily soulful singers to rappers to classical musicians, the vivacity on display puts paid to any preconceived notions of life under occupation.

Ride, Rise, Roar
USA, Director: David Hillman Curtis

David Hillman Curtis’ boundlessly energetic concert film captures David Byrne at his musical and theatrical peak while detailing the collaborative process that makes the performances come alive. “Stop Making Sense is a tough act to follow, but David Byrne gives his younger self a run for his money with Ride, Rise, Roar.” – Hollywood Reporter

RIO SONATA
France, Director: Georges Gachot

Brazilian great Nana Caymmi’s languid voice – and turbulent personal life – are the stuff of legend and gossip. Georges Gachot intimately chronicles her many ups and downs, showing how – more than her personal relationship with Gilberto Gil – her peerless musicianship has ensured her place as one of Brazil’s most influential singers.

Wagner & Me
UK, Director: Patrick McGrady

Noted actor and writer Stephen Fry‘s love for the music of Richard Wagner – and, as a Jew, his attempts to reconcile this love with Wagner’s Nazi associations – serve as the focus of Patrick McGrady’s dazzling, emotional whirlwind of a documentary. Wit as sharp as ever, Fry visits Russia and Switzerland – and even gets backstage access at the Bayreuth festival.

Rejoice and Shout
USA, Director: Don McGlynn

Don McGlynn has made films about musicians as diverse as Glenn Miller and Howlin’ Wolf, and in this, his most ambitious film to date, he uncovers the progression in gospel music over the course of two centuries. A rousing combination of rare vintage clips, probing interviews and fantastic music will, indeed, make you want to rejoice and shout.

The Yellow Bittern: The Life and Times of Liam Clancy
Ireland, Director: Alan Gilsenan

The late, great Liam Clancy, the last surviving member of The Clancy Brothers, who vaulted to fame in the 60s singing bittersweet Irish ballads and outselling The Beatles, recalls moments both storied (the Civil Rights movement) and tragic (the alcoholism that almost destroyed his career) in director Alan Gilsenan’s warmly affectionate documentary.

Strange Powers:
Stephin Merritt and The Magnetic Fields
USA, Directors: Kerthy Fix, Gail O’Hara

“The thing that makes you really want to watch a Magnetic Fields documentary – aside from the fact that it’s about a brilliant band… – is that the genius behind Magnetic Fields, Stephin Merritt, is so prickly… in interviews that no journalist has ever gotten an accurate picture of him.” – The Stranger. Until now… Kerthy Fix and Gail O’Hara direct.