Steven Tyler: Out on a Limb was a behind-the-scenes look at rock legend Steven Tyler, intimately told through interviews, a first-person narrative and a gorgeous live performance at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. In fact much of the film featured Music City landmarks, so it was a perfect fit for the Nashville Film Fest. During the opening remarks of the documentary director Casey Tebo mentioned that their Boston footage had not turned out the way they had hoped so much of the live performances were from the Ryman. Perhaps it all worked out for best as Nashville is currently Steven's hometown and his solo album prominent played at the revered venue was promoted as a country record. There is no better place to premier that type of music than at the Mother Church of Country. Tyler's version of country is in line with the genre's modern sound that is infused with more rock tones than twang. Steven fronting the capable Loving Mary did justice to the new material as well as his classics including "Dream On."

Steven Tyler: Out on a Limb was packed with conversations with Steven along with Casey Tebo, Adam Green, Slash, Robert Deleo and more. All imparted their insights on Tyler's transition to country with many commenting on Steven's passion for life and Tyler's willingness to move beyond his comfort zone. Members of Loving Mary shared their experiences with working with the rock legend.

Keeping with the southern theme our next choice was If I Leave Here Tomorrow: A Film About Lynyrd Skynyrd. Director Stephan Kijak greeted the audience on Saturday asking who has not shouted out "Free Bird" at a show. All joking aside, Stephan and his crew should be commended for their compelling documentary that explored the music and backstory of the legendary American band, Lynyrd Skynyrd. The film featured clips and conversations with Ronnie Van Zant, Johnny Van Zant, Gary Rossington and more.

The movie started and ended with infamous plane crash that took place on October 20, 1977. On that tragic day Skynyrd lost their charismatic lead vocalist/founding member Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist/vocalist Steve Gaines, backing vocalist Cassie Gaines (Steve's older sister), assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick, pilot Walter McCreary, and co-pilot William Gray. Twenty others survived. One would have thought it was the end for the popular group. Instead Johnny Van Zant (Ronnie's brother) stepped up to carry on and a version of the southern rock outfit still tours today with a set packed with those singular 1970's songs.

If I Leave Here Tomorrow: A Film About Lynyrd Skynyrd is literally the story of a group of passionate musicians perfecting their craft in a swamp shack in Florida and later playing stadiums. The film runs in chronological order with Skynyrd's music as the soundtrack. Clips and concert footage were used effectively to document the group's progress. Adding to the family feel of the film was personal photos, super 8 footage and more. Chats with surviving members and others associated with the early version of Lynyrd Skynyrd added additional insights. Although the movie had many warm moments they did not sugar coat facts. Apparently, Ronnie when drunk was a far cry from a southern gentleman. Also, some of the group's early enthusiasm for music had been dampened by fame and fortune. However, it seemed that with Steve Gaines coming on board along with Ronnie becoming a dad that they were on the verge of a positive change prior to the crash.

Kudos to Kijak for addressing the use of the confederate flag. During the Q&A he said that the symbol was in so much of the footage that something had to be said. It was explained that in the case of Skynyrd it was a reaction to being referred to as Yankees a general term for people from America in Europe. Skynyrd used the rebel flag as a declaration of their southern roots. Drummer and survivor Artimus Pyle was also a special Q&A guest. When asked about his reaction to the film he was clearly moved and it took him a few moments to gather his thoughts. This was the second time Pyle had seen the film with the first being the night before. He said he noticed many more details upon the second viewing. He complemented and thanked the film makers for how they told their story in a modern context while using archival materials. It was a valid point as If I Leave Here Tomorrow: A Film About Lynyrd Skynyrd was potent yet personal - a poignant tribute to the band.

VR 360 along with short films are also showcased. One fitting in with the southern theme is Now or Never a brief documentary about the dismantling of Colonel Parker's Madison, TN home which also served as the headquarters of the Elvis Fan Club for many years. Now or Never is screening on May 15, 2018 at 6:30pm. We just touched on the tip of the iceberg of this expansive film extravaganza, But, there is still time to attend the Nashville Film Festival as well as start planning for next year.

Artimus Pyle at the 49th Annual Nashville Film Festival.

Related Links: For more information on the NASHVILLE FILM FESTIVAL and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links -- Nashville Film Festival | Steven Tyler: Out on a Limb | If I Leave Here Tomorrow: A Film About Lynyrd Skynyrd | Regal Hollywood Stadium 27 & RPX