A series of films on the enduring impact of iconic figures and bands that shaped music, cinema, and art will be shown at the festival.From ABBA’s global success to Pavements' indie attitude, the revolutionary Peaches, and the visionary Brian Eno, the festival highlights stories that transcend genres and reflect profound cultural shifts.
ABBA: Against the Odds, directed by James Rogan, unveils the fascinating and little-known story of ABBA, one of the most iconic pop bands of the 20th century. From protests in Sweden to their exclusion from British radio, ABBA’s journey is revisited in this film through interviews and archival footage. Screening on November 25 and 27 at Passos Manuel, at 10:15 pm and 7:15 pm.
Pavements, by Alex Ross Perry, transports us into the world of the 90s indie band Pavements. This documentary integrates elements of fiction and musical, revealing the band’s impact on a generation with a metatextual approach that challenges the concept of a music documentary. Screening on November 26 and 28 at Passos Manuel, at 10:30 pm and 7:00 pm, respectively.
Teaches of Peaches, directed by Philipp Fussenegger and Judy Landkammer, follows iconic artist Peaches on her 2022 tour celebrating The Teaches of Peaches. Combining exclusive footage and intimate backstage moments, the film reveals Peaches’ cultural impact as a feminist icon and LGBTQIA+ rights advocate, celebrating her fight against gender norms and her contributions to contemporary culture. Screening on November 27 and 29 at Passos Manuel, at 9:00 pm and 7:15 pm, respectively.
Eno, by Gary Hustwit, offers an innovative look into the creative mind of Brian Eno, an ambient music pioneer and collaborator with major figures like David Bowie and U2. Using a generative software system to create new connections, the documentary blends interviews, unreleased footage, and new music, providing a unique experience in each screening. Screening on November 23 at 9:45 pm at Batalha Centro de Cinema - Sala 1.
Hello Hello Hello: Lee Ranaldo: Electric Trim, by Fred Riedel, is an intimate documentary that follows Sonic Youth member Lee Ranaldo's creative process over a year of recording. Over 6,183 kilometers and with collaborations from musicians like Nels Cline (Wilco) and Sharon Van Etten, the film explores the nuances of artistic creation and the friendships that shape his music. Screening on November 28 at 9:30 pm at Passos Manuel.
Ken Jacobs - From Orchard Street to the Museum of Modern Art, also by Fred Riedel, pays tribute to one of the most innovative figures in the history of moving images. This film presents Ken Jacobs’ life and work, from collaborations with Jack Smith to the creation of the 'Nervous System' and 'Cyclopean 3D' techniques. Featuring excerpts of films and performances, the documentary traces the career of an artist who shaped experimental cinema. Screening on November 29 at 4:30 pm at Passos Manuel.
Finally, Ernest Cole: Lost and Found, by Raoul Peck, tells the story of South African photographer Ernest Cole, the first to expose the horrors of apartheid to the world through his book House of Bondage, published in 1967. Exiled in the USA and Europe, Cole never fully integrated, remaining marked by his struggle and anger at the Western silence complicit in apartheid’s horrors. The documentary reveals his anxieties and artistic legacy, offering a reflection on the role of art in the fight against oppression. Screening on November 29 at 9:15 pm at Batalha Centro de Cinema - Sala 1.
With these stories capturing the essence of pop culture, its innovations, and its protagonists, the festival provides audiences with an immersive experience into the worlds of music, cinema, and art that have influenced and continue to inspire millions.
