Beatles, Cash Documentaries Highlight Woodstock Film Fest

Posted on Oct 6th 2008 2:00PM by Robin Rothman
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Though hours from the site of the historic music festival, Woodstock, NY has long been considered synonymous with music. To that end, it's fitting that the Woodstock Film Festival would honor its location's reputation. The 9th annual fest, which took place Oct. 1-5, included several music documentaries in its 'Focus on Music' series. Spinner took in all of the flicks and pared it down to the top three music lovers must see.

1. 'All Together Now': Stunningly shot and pleasantly insightful, 'All Together Now' follows the collaboration between the Beatles and Cirque du Soleil to produce 'Love' -- a project George Harrison barely began before he died. This "privileged view," as the director calls it, reveals more than the intense rehearsal and staging process. The film witnesses the artful reconfiguration of Beatles classics by producer George Martin and his son Giles; Yoko Ono and Olivia Harrison loyally defending their deceased husbands' visions and integrity; and a moment of elation as Ringo Starr giddily jumps up and down in his seat, while Paul McCartney plays air drums and lip syncs 'Sgt. Peppers.' The filmmakers expect a DVD release in time for Christmas.

2. 'Johnny Cash's America': Just 88 minutes-long, 'Johnny Cash's America' manages to cover the infinitely interesting story of a national treasure, including his 40-year music career and an even longer, richer personal life. The purpose: to explore the influences that impacted his music and in turn, how his music impacted the nation. Cash's children, Bob Dylan, Steve Earle, Al Gore, Snoop Dogg and more all tell their story of Cash, intertwined with archival footage including Cash performing at Folsom Prison, visiting the Oval Office, praising Billy Graham and hosting Stevie Wonder on his TV show. The film was produced in only seven months with the intent of a pre-election release. The film will air on the Bio network Oct. 23, and the DVD comes out on Oct. 28.

3. 'Playing for Change: Peace Through Music': "Music is the thing that can save the planet." That's the message of the new documentary 'Playing for Change: Peace Through Music.' Make no mistake -- this film isn't about star power. In fact, the most recognizable performers are Manu Chao, Vusi Mahlasela and Keb' Mo'. Nevertheless, the impact of this project is undeniable. The film begins when filmmakers record a Santa Barbara street artist. What was a whim evolves into a spiritual mission, as they ask musicians in such places as Kathmandu, Tel Aviv, Barcelona and South Africa, to add to the recording. Across four continents, they build a collaboration between artists who are literally a world apart, and yet bound by the unifying force of music itself. You'll never hear Bob Marley's 'One Love' the same way again.