Nashville Film Festival will End with Black Keys Documentary

The Nashville Film Festival (NashFilm), a week-long celebration of film, music and culture, today announced that the 55th annual festival will open this year’s event with “DEVO,” a documentary featuring the iconic 1980s de-evolution rock band, and “REBEL COUNTRY,” a documentary exposing and energizing country music culture in Nashville. Then, the festival will close with “THIS IS A FILM ABOUT THE BLACK KEYS,” a documentary following the band’s remarkable journey to stardom.

The festival launches Thursday, September 19 with a double feature at the historic Belcourt Theatre, with “DEVO” kicking off at 3:30 p.m. followed by a screening of “REBEL COUNTRY” at 6 p.m., and “THIS IS A FILM ABOUT THE BLACK KEYS” wraps up the festival on Wednesday, September 25 at 6 p.m.

“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.”

The three screenings will be followed by even more festival celebrations, with opening night kicking off with an event at The Parthenon and closing night bringing all festival goers together for one last party across the street from the Belcourt at AB Hillsboro Village.

Additional films, programs, guests, parties and special events will continue to be announced throughout the summer. The full slate of films and programs selected for the 55th Nashville Film Festival will be announced in August. VIP Badges are on sale now for the 2024 Nashville Film Festival. For more information and to purchase passes, visit www.nashvillefilmfestival.org. Tickets for individual films and events will go on sale in August.