NASHVILLE, TN (Monday, July 22, 2019) -- The Nashville Film Festival, taking place October 3-12, 2019 announces early music documentary features for 2019, including the world premiere of "Chuck Berry" by filmmaker Jon Brewer; "Born Into the Gig" by filmmakers Kate Davis and David Heilbroner; "Cool Daddio: The Second Youth of R. Stevie Moore" from filmmakers Imogen Putler and Monika Baran; and "The Sheriff of Mars" from filmmakers Jason Ressler and Matthew Woolf.

The Nashville Film Festival is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, making it one of the longest running independent film festivals in the U.S. Under the new leadership of Executive Director, Jason Padgitt, the Nashville Film Festival will feature a diverse lineup of more than 250 films with an increased focus on music-based films, films from female directors and top American independent narrative feature films.

"The Nashville Film Festival is celebrating an incredible 50 year milestone by honoring the history of the festival while pointing the organization to a future of expanded opportunities for filmmakers worldwide and for the amazing arts community here in Tennessee," said Nashville Film Festival's Executive Director, Jason Padgitt. "There are so many great stories to share at this year's festival and we're very excited about all the great films and events planned for this historic event."

"We are thrilled to announce these music documentary titles for our 50th Festival. Each film truly complements Nashville's wide variety of musical and artistic roots," said Lauren Ponto, Programming Manager for the Nashville Film Festival. "We are looking forward to presenting these powerful music documentaries as just one part of our amazing full slate of films." 

Official Selections across all categories of the 2019 Nashville Film Festival will to be announced throughout the year.  

Title: BLUEBIRD

Dir.: Brian Loschiavo

Cast: Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, Faith Hill, Vince Gill, Maren Morris, Jason Isbell 

Synopsis: It's where megastars like Garth Brooks, Faith Hill and Taylor Swift got their break, and where emerging singer-songwriters continue to flock for a chance to perform original material. But The Bluebird Cafe, this unassuming venue nestled in a suburban Nashville strip-mall, faces an uncertain future. Featuring unforgettable performances by Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, Maren Morris, Vince Gill, Jason Isbell and many more, we'll explore the past and present of this accidental landmark that has altered the course of music history.

Premiere Status: Southeast US Premiere

 

Title: COOL DADDIO: THE SECOND YOUTH OF R. STEVIE MOORE

Dir.: Imogen Putler, Monika Baran

Cast: R. Stevie Moore, Mac DeMarco, Ariel Pink, Theophilus London, Tim Burgess, David Shrigley

Synopsis: Cool Daddio: The Second Youth of R. Stevie Moore tells a story of the greatest 'undiscovered' musical genius of all time. He has recorded 400 albums in 40 years... in his bedroom. Unique and eccentric. Unrecognized outside of a small group of music insiders, until now...

Premiere Status: US Premiere

 

Title: BORN INTO THE GIG

Dir.: Kate Davis and David Heilbroner

Cast: Chris Stills, Skip Marley, Kori Withers, Ben and Sally Taylor

Synopsis: BORN INTO THE GIG tracks the children of rock stars James Taylor, Carly Simon, Bill Withers, Stephen Stills and the Marleys as they become singer- songwriters in the shadow of their legendary parents.  The path for these young artists is tricky -- filled with family tension, humor, and courage as they strive to create their own music.

Premiere Status: World Premiere

 

Title: THE SHERIFF OF MARS

Dir.: Jason Ressler, Matthew Woolf

Cast: Daniel Antopolsky, Townes Van Zand, Bill Hedgepeth, Sylvia Antopolsky 

Synopsis: In space, no one can hear you sing.... The story of a lost singer who did everything he could not to become successful and ended up being so anyway.

Premiere Status: World Premiere

 

Title: CHUCK BERRY

Dir.: Jon Brewer

Cast: Chuck Berry, Alice Cooper, Themetta Berry, Joe Perry, Charles Berry, Stevie Van Zandt

Synopsis: In this highly anticipated feature- length documentary, the absolute instigator of Rock and Roll, CHUCK BERRY is truly revealed, with exclusive access. Despite his iconic status, and reverence for his talent by rock's heroes John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, Keith Richards, Steve Van Zandt, Joe Perry, Alice Cooper) all featured, Chuck Berry was a family man. He was a prolific craftsman of word and chords; an undisputed and stunning combination of talent and charisma. Award-winning Film maker Jon Brewer (BB King The Life of Riley, Nat King Cole: Afraid of the Dark), lends new insight to the man known as the bedrock of Rock n Roll.

Premiere Status: World Premiere

Film stills and trailers available upon request.

 

ABOUT NASHVILLE FILM FESTIVAL: The Nashville Film Festival (NashFilm) is a globally-recognized non-profit organization and cultural event presenting the best in world cinema, American independent films and documentaries by veteran masters, up-and-coming directors, and first-time filmmakers.With Academy Award® qualifying status, the Nashville Film Festival celebrates innovation, music and the many voices of the human spirit through the art of film and partners with the Thompson Nashville to host guests from all over the world. Originally founded in 1969, the Nashville Film Festival is one of the first film festivals in the United States and will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in October, 2019. For more information, visit www.nashfilm.org .