Legends of musical genius Cocker, Nas, Fela, Reuter, and some guys called the Beatles at the 23rd Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival most famous and influential citizens, musical or otherwise, challenged the system by creating a musical art that was political, rhythmic and fearless. A profoundly fascinating character study, Kuti’s controversial life and compositions changed the future of jazz and world music. His work serves as a testament to the synthesis between politics and music as a force for change. Sunday, November 23 | 6pm | KDHX
Jingle Bell Rocks There’s something diabolical about holiday music. It’s camp, it’s cheesy and oftentimes, it’s cringeworthy. Director Mitchell Kezin loves Christmas music so much that he sought out those responsible for is favorite yuletide tunes. His quest to find out as much as he can about the songs he loves is touching, tragic and moving. Sunday, November 23 | 3:30pm | KDHX Finding Fela
By Rob Levy IF YOU LOVE MOVIES and are addicted to music then you will be right at home at this year’s Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival, which runs from November 13-23. Amongst the selection of feature films, documentaries and shorts screened this year is an orgy of sound and vision that is sure to be music to our ears. The programming is particularly deep this year with a headspinning number of choices for the discerning audio/ cinephile. A majority of the music documentaries will screen at KDHX’s new home at the Larry J. Weir Center for Independent Media at 3524 Washington Avenue in the heart of Grand Center. This synergy of cinema and sound speaks to the exuberance that music and film plays in our lives as a creative spark, obsessive hobby and catalyst for social change. For more information on films, tickets and special events visit www.sliff.org.
20,000 Days on Earth This long-awaited Nick Cave film screened to a packed house in Columbia, MO recently. It’s a strange mix of real and unreal footage, sometimes staged and sometimes documented, that reveals less about the real life of Cave and crew and more about their own perception of their lives. Cave collaborated with the director and various friends and musicians to create this unprecedented version of life as a writer, singer and artist. Part drama, part documentary, the film will definitely make you think about Cave and his work in a different way. Friday, November 14 | 9pm | KDHX
Bob Reuter’s Last Tape Bob’s scratchy movie looks at the life of the
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dearly missed artist, KDHX DJ and singer songwriter, who died suddenly in August of 2013 while in the midst of a creative high point. Director Josh Rolens presents Bob Reuter’s life and legacy through his own words. Reuter overcame a life of troubles to become one of the city’s most beloved citizens. His photography, art, radio show and music both documented and profoundly affected the St. Louis music world. Bob Reuter’s Alley Ghost will perform after the screening. Sunday, November 16 | 7:30pm | KDHX
Finding Fela The life of Fela Kuti is chronicled in this powerful documentary from Alex Gibeny. The Afrobeat founder and one of Africa’s
Mistaken for Strangers There are fewer indie bands around right now that are more popular than The National. In addition to creating critically acclaimed albums they have toured with the likes of Arcade Fire and U2. Being the kid brother of their lead singer gave filmmaker Tom Berninger unlimited access to the band during their breakout 2010 tour. Things get weird when Berninger, a self confessed metalhead documents the band and their rise to acclaim. What comes next is his tale of a band grinding it out on the road, sibling rivalry and finding your own way. Friday, November 14 | 7pm | KDHX
Nas: Time Is Illmatic This film explores the creative side of seminal hip-hop pioneer Nas, whose poignant lyrics and attention to production made him a star at a young age. Twenty years ago you couldn’t go anywhere without hearing his music. Nas’ rise from an urban poet to an international superstar is a compelling and fascinating story about stardom and durability. Admission is free to the public. Monday, November 17 | 7pm | Tivoli
Pulp: A Film About Life, Death & Supermarkets Since premiering at SXSW earlier this year this movie about the band Pulp, whose album A Different Class was a definitive