The 55th Nashville Film Festival is taking place from Sept. 19 to Sept. 25, showcasing more than 150 films from around the world. The festival aims to celebrate the evolution of cinema and art by featuring works from filmmakers, screenwriters and musicians. I had the privilege of experiencing one of these films that seamlessly intertwines all three of these elements into one profound documentary.
They All Came Out to Montreux provides an insightful exploration of the history of one of Switzerland’s most significant annual jazz festivals and its founder, Claude Nobs. Directed by Oliver Murray and produced by Quincy Jones, this film is captivating and thought-provoking, illustrating the remarkable transformation of one man’s vision into a monumental celebration of peace and love.
The documentary presents captivating and historically significant footage from the 1960s and 1970s, showcasing iconic performances by legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack and Etta James. As an avid music enthusiast, I appreciate various genres, including jazz. The experience of watching this film was delightful because I had listened to these artists several times but had not seen them perform for a live audience.
In addition to the remarkable performances, the film includes insightful interviews with influential musicians like Sting, Wyclef Jean and Herbie Hancock, providing a comprehensive look at the music and culture of that era. As you can see from the interviewees, the music performed at Montreux encompassed various genres, including jazz, rock, hip-hop and more.
Claude Nobs is an incredibly inspirational individual who exemplifies how dreams can materialize into reality. His cheerful and vibrant demeanor, coupled with his deep love for life, serves as a profound source of motivation. After watching this documentary, I felt a renewed zest for life, and I need more of that in my little world.
They All Came Out to Montreux provides an in-depth exploration of the origins of Nobs and the festival, the fire that nearly devastated it and the subsequent resurgence of a movement that exemplifies how external adversities cannot thwart resilience and camaraderie. I recommend watching this documentary on the big screen to immerse oneself in the concert experience fully. It is a must-see for audiophiles and cinephiles.
The festival presents a wide array of genre films as well, catering to diverse interests and preferences.
Here are a few noteworthy selections that have caught my attention: Little Bites, directed by Spider One, executive produced by Cher and Chaz Bono, and starring Bonnie Aarons, Heather Langenkamp and Barbara Crampton. These actresses are some of my favorites in horror. It is about a mother who tries to protect her daughter from a flesh-eating monster.
Your Monster is a genre-bending romantic comedy directed by Caroline Lindy and starring Melissa Barrera, known for her roles in Scream (2022) and Scream VI. The movie follows a struggling actress living with cancer who discovers a monster in her childhood home’s bedroom closet and the unique relationship that develops between them.
Lastly, as a fan of horror short films, I am looking forward to /HAAW/ directed by Joey Scoma. The film is about two snowboarders stuck on a ski gondola near an otherworldly family that only makes one sound: “/HAAW/“. If this one piques your interest, I recommend visiting the festival website and looking at the thumbnail. It’s incredibly chilling and not to be missed.
The Nashville Film Festival will take place at various venues in Nashville, including the Belcourt and Franklin Theater. The event will feature screenings, networking events, live Q&A panels with filmmakers, parties and more. Tickets and the film guide are now accessible on the official Nashville Film Festival website.
Not only is it an excellent opportunity to discover up-and-coming talent and films, but it also provides a platform to connect with like-minded individuals and engage in discussions about our passion for film.