This program is jam-packed.
Music and film lovers alike are sure to be delighted by Melbourne International Film Festival yet again this year. Luckily for us, this year’s program boasts an impressive selection of music documentaries that will have everyone leaving the theatre satisfied, regardless of their preferred genre of music. There’s more than enough to choose from, but here’s a few on our must-see list.
No Time for Quiet
The last few years have been extraordinary for women in music, and Melbourne-based camp Girls Rock is at the forefront of mentoring the revolution. The initiative gives teenage girls and nonbinary youths the opportunity to finetune their skills in music writing, performing and editing. Disrupting the music industry boys club is hard work from within, with this doco giving a rare insight into what it takes and how Girls Rock is kicking things off.
Screening each night from Thursday August 15 to Sunday August 18 (bar Saturday)
Suzi Q
With a career spanning over five decades, Suzi Quatro is no stranger to the juggernaut that is the music industry. After rising through the ranks with hits such as ‘Can the Can’ and ‘Devil Gate Drive’, Quatro’s done it all. From TV, to international sold-out tours, to radio; this documentary covers it all. With interviews from the likes of Joan Jett, Henry Winkler and Alice Cooper (just to name a few) and Quatro herself, punters can expect candid insight into the trailblazer’s long-lasting legacy.
Screening Thursday August 15 and Saturday August 17
Bros: After the Screaming Stops
For those who don’t know, in the late ‘80s, the boyband Bro consisted of twins Matt and Luke Goss, whose debut album Push went to number one in 20 countries. Following the reunion of the twins 28 years after they split (both professionally and personally), their attempt to re-create the glory days through a sold-out reunion tour is something you have to see to believe. Hailed as “unintentionally hilarious” and “the best music documentary of all time”, the film’s acclaim is an oxymoron that could only be true of this flick.
Screening Sunday August 11
Mr Jimmy
This doco takes us all the way to Tokyo, following the inspiring ambition of Akio Sakurai as he takes his Jimmy Page impersonation to the sunny land of LA. After a surprise visit from Page himself, Sakurai decides to pack his bags and join LA cover band Led Zepagain and brings a whole new meaning to the concept of tribute show. You’ll find yourself rooting for the unlikely rocker, while questioning the very concept of fame in this one, but don’t forget to enjoy the killer Led Zeppelin soundtrack.
Screening Friday August 9 and Sunday August 11
David Crosby: Remember My Name
Grammy winner, Woodstock star, multi-million-seller, and double Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee; David Crosby is a powerhouse of the ‘60s music scene. Whether you’re a fan or not, you will find something to appreciate in this film, with producer Cameron Crowe interviewing Crosby himself to create a candid and revealing doco no one saw coming. Although it may not be what you’re expecting, this rock doco shines a whole new light on the star’s legacy that you won’t want to miss.
Screening Sunday August 11 and Wednesday August 14
Suede: The Insatiable Ones
Thanks to one drummer’s Handicam obsession, this doco follows Britpop trailblazers Suede’s rise to fame in the ‘90s. As you’d expect from the scene at the time, Suede was filled with melodramas, glam, drugs and skyrocket success. Award-winning British director Mike Christie lends his talents to this doco to deliver views into the studio and onto the stage. With interviews from former band members and witnesses of the band’s success, this one is worth adding to your watch list.
Screening Saturday August 10
Cool Daddio: The Second Youth of R. Stevie Moore
Self-confessed recluse R. Stevie Moore is the indie rock icon you’ve probably never heard of. With a career comprising over 40 years and 400 albums before receiving public acclaim, Moore has quietly worked behind the scenes to curate the indie rock scene from within. Filmmakers Imogen Putler and Monika Baran have spent the last year piecing together ultra-rare footage, music and interviews from industry superfans – Cool Daddio is set to put this legend in the spotlight where he belongs.
Showing on Saturday August 17
Melbourne International Film Festival is happening across Melbourne until Sunday August 18. For tickets, more info and the full program, head to the festival website.
