Sound Unseen, Austin's premier celebration of the symbiotic relationship between music and film, is set to return for its first independently produced iteration in the city this year. The festival, which originated in Minneapolis in 1999, found a natural fit in Austin three years later, thanks to the visionary Becky Arreaga. With her leadership, the festival is poised to showcase the best of both worlds, blending the city's vibrant music and film scenes.
Arreaga's passion for the festival is palpable. She describes it as a dream come true, taking the reins from Sound Unseen's founder, Jim Brunzell, who decided to take a well-deserved break. The festival's all-volunteer team, led by Arreaga, meticulously reviewed over 200 submissions, ultimately selecting seven feature-length films and six shorts for the program. This year's lineup promises a diverse range of content, from documentaries to music videos, all capturing the essence of Austin's music scene.
One standout film is 'America's Entertainment Nightmare,' a short documentary about the '80s punk band Meat Joy, directed by Lauren Yap. Yap's connection to the band began through OUTsider Festival, an annual LGBTQ transmedia arts event in Austin. Yap was inspired by Meat Joy's genuine and radical spirit, which is reflected in the film's DIY approach. This aligns perfectly with Sound Unseen's ethos, as both are locally run and driven by a passion for music and film.
The festival also features a special screening of 'Shut Up and Sing,' a documentary about the political backlash faced by The Chicks after singer Natalie Maines publicly criticized President Bush for the Iraq War. This screening is particularly relevant in today's political climate, offering a thought-provoking look at the past and present. The film will be followed by a Q&A with Academy Award-winning director Barbara Kopple and co-director Cecilia Peck, moderated by former KUT general manager, Debbie Hiott.
Arreaga's excitement is palpable as she highlights the festival's diverse offerings. From the Austin punk band Big Boys to the locally produced videos of Tele Novella and Mama Duke, the festival showcases the city's musical talent. She also looks forward to screening 'Good Grief,' a movie about Grammy winner Sara Bareilles, which recently premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. With a lineup catering to various tastes and decades, from early rock and roll star Eddie Cochran to contemporary artists, Sound Unseen promises to be a must-attend event for music and film enthusiasts alike.
The festival, running from August 6th to 9th at AFS Cinema, offers a unique opportunity to witness the fusion of music and film in action. With a mix of feature-length films, documentaries, and live music events, Sound Unseen is set to deliver an unforgettable experience. For those eager to attend, tickets are available at [https://www.soundunseenaustin.com/calendar].
