The 16th annual Big Sky Documentary Film Festival has come to an end, and judging from the crowds that continued to come to the films on closing day, it was a very successful run. Over the past week we were able to view two more films, as well as working in the box office nearly every day. We made a lot of new friends, had fun at the daily parties, and are now looking forward to slowing down the pace.
On Wednesday we had the privilege of witnessing Fire on the Hill: The Cowboys of South Central LA, a truly inspiring film from director Brett Fallentine. The film, which started out as an investigative piece to discover who burned down The Hill stables in South Central LA, shifted to become a compelling profile of several of those black cowboys who ride their horses through the streets of South Central LA and Compton. The goal of their group is to teach the skills and values of horsemanship, as well as give inner city kids an alternative to a life in the gangs and on the streets. Definitely check out their website for ways you can contribute to meet that goal.
The director, along with four of the subjects from the film – Ghuan Featherstone, Calvin, Will and PRCA professional bull rider Chris Bird, arrived just as the film credits rolled and gave us an amazing Q&A. The film screened again to another packed house on Saturday, and the Q&A for that one was truly off the hook. Ghuan, who is also an amazing singer-songwriter who contributed songs to the movie, sang a stirring a capella version of one of his songs, resulting in a standing ovation. We also enjoyed having the time to get to know Ghuan and Brett during the week, and look forward to taking a ride with Ghuan when we are in LA this summer.
The second film we watched was Desolation Center, a film about the punk rock movement in LA in the early 80s. What made this film so unique was that Stuart Swezy, the creator of Desolation Center, was not just the subject of the film, but also directed and produced it. The film began with the infamous riot at The Ramones concert at the Hollywood Palladium led by former police chief Darryl Gates, who was forced to resign after the 1992 riots. Realizing that it was not safe to organize large punk rock events in the city of Los Angeles, Swezy created several site specific concerts in the Mojave Desert and on a boat in San Pedro harbor that featured some of the biggest acts of that time, including local band The Minutemen, The Meat Puppets, Sonic Youth and more. These shows spawned other alternative festivals, including Burning Man and Coachella, and left a legacy that will never be forgotten. The film brilliantly captured this tumultuous time and shone a light on both the music and the people who attended these concerts.
We had intended to view ..So Good I Can’t Take it, but the screening was sold out and we had to turn away people. Director Kirk Leclaire has promised to send us a link to screen the film, and we will write our review thereafter.
On Friday night, the winners of Big Sky’s four competitions were announced. In addition to the four winners, the juries honored one film in each category with Artistic Vision awards. Winners of the mini-doc and shorts categories are eligible for consideration for an Academy award. One of the shorts shown at this year’s Festival, Lifeboat, was a nominee at this year’s awards which were held last night.
Artistic Vision – LOTUS – Mohammadreza Vatandoust
NEW SINGLES
Our first single this week comes from the Insomniac Bears. We love the retro sound of their song “Passing Trains,” which we think could be a hit on college radio. Check it out.
Our next single is a feisty dance track from Nikki’s Wives. This one is guaranteed to get you up and dancing as you enjoy the groove of “Lemonade.”
Our third single today comes from LA Music Critic Award winning electronica duo Lovers & Poets. We continue to be amazed at the growth of this band, and think you will love “Nevergonnastop.”
https://loversandpoets.bandcamp.com/track/nevergonnastop
Next up is the latest from Blue Élan Records artists Red Wanting Blue, who have joined up with Liz Brasher for their latest single, “I’ve Got a Feeling It Hurts.” This one is an amazing collaboration and we think it belongs on radio stations everywhere.
Our final single this week is from Australian artist Philip la Rosa, an amazing R&B/pop artist with a dynamic flair for the incredible. Here is his song “Fable,” which we think is simply one of the best singles we have heard this year.
NEW MUSIC VIDEOS
Our first video this week is from LA Music Critic Award winner Keaton Simons, and was inspired by the book and film A Chance in the World. We love this inspiring song and video, and are so proud of the growth of this artist. Check out “Find Us.”
Next up we have the last segment of three live videos featured the driving blues sound of The Spear Shakers. We think “Leaving it all Behind” is the perfect song for the culmination of this project.
Our third video is from European rockers Ivan & the Parazol. They have created a rocking lyric video for their song “When I was 17.” Rock on!
Nashville’s premier punk band and LA Music Critic Award winners Taco Mouth have created a powerful video for their protest song “The White House.” This one captures the energy and the powerful lyrics, so be prepared to be rocked out.
We close out this week’s Monday Mashup with the latest from glam rocker Jess Weimer. It is a visually stimulating video for her insightful song “Glass Tower.”
