Submitted by: Pickford Film Center
Music Month at Pickford Film Center starts off with a bang, when we revisit a classic era of American music; the soul-infused sound of the sixties. In “BANG! The Bert Berns Story” we discover the legacy of Bert Berns, the man behind some of the greatest songs of the sixties. “BANG!” explores the life and times of Berns, the nearly forgotten musician who produced and wrote hit songs such as “Twist and Shout,” “Piece of My Heart” and “Here Comes the Night”.
Through interviews with Paul McCartney, Cissy Houston, Keith Richards and more, we are given a glimpse at the life of the man that helped influence a decade and changed American music forever. Get a glimpse at the life of the artist, Bert Berns, whose soulful influence shaped the sound of America. Join us, Thursday, June 8 at 6:30 for a one-time showing of “BANG! The Bert Berns Story” co-presented by 92.9 KISM & Avalon Records. Come early to let your soul flow to a playlist of sixties jams.
Then, on the wings of a bat, we fly over to Transylvaniana and pay a visit to Count Orlock, the undead “villain” of the classic horror film “Nosferatu.” With a new live score from Austin band The Invincible Czars, the film is revived and presented as deserves. The original orchestral score has been lost to time, but through their exquisite arrangement of Romanian folk music and a myriad of instruments such as electric guitar, glockenspiel and organ, The Invincible Czars reincarnate the original film viewing experience. For “Nosterfatu” super fans and fresh blood alike, this is a rare opportunity see an iconic horror film on the big screen with an intricately crafted live musical accompaniment. Come see “Nosferatu” with a live musical score by The Invincible Czars June 10 at 7:30 p.m. (PFC Member price $12.00, non-Member $15.00)
Finally, we close out June with “On the Banks of the Tigris,” a beautifully rich documentary that explores the medium of music as a vessel of cultural identity, survival and resilience. Cultural ownership and legacy are central to Iraqi music and are explored deeply in the film. “On the Banks of the Tigris” follows Majid Shokor an Iraqi-Australian writer and actor as he reconnects to the music of his home. After his escape from Iraq in 1995, Majid relied on traditional and popular Iraqi music to color his fond memories of life in Iraq. In the film, Shokor traces the music of his homeland and relives tragic moments and makes revealing discoveries along the way. On his journey from Australia to Israel, to the Netherlands and the UK, Majid meets other Iraqi-born singers, songwriters, composers and musicians also living in exile and all striving to keep Iraqi music traditions alive. And despite the scars of the past, the film culminates with a stunning performance bringing together Iraqis of all faiths, illustrating the lasting relationship between of music and community and identity.
“On the Banks of the Tigris” is the winner of Best Documentary at the Baghdad International Film Festival, Audience Choice Award winner at the Arab Film Festival and Winner of Best Director at the Nepal Human Rights Film Festival. Join us June 27 for a one-night only special showing of “On the Banks of the Tigris” followed by a Q&A with award-winning Director/Producer Marsha Emerman. The film begins at 6:30 p.m., come early for food, music and a champagne reception included with your ticket price.
For more information please visit Pickford Film Center
