With so much great cinema to absorb we narrowed down our focus to music related programs where we discovered a prevailing theme of "becoming". The first film Man on the Run starred Paul McCartney as he coped with the creative, emotional and financial challenges of leaving the Beatles. Through interviews, music, photos and vintage videos we followed Paul and his wife Linda as they navigated their way to what would become the popular group Wings. The film starts with clips of the Beatles and runs through the 1970's into the early 1980's. Man on the Run was a last minute add on to the Festival and we heard that it has already been picked up by a number of outlets and it's no wonder as it was an engaging documentary about one of the world's most beloved musicians.

These features kept us busy at the Nashville Film Festival.

Counting Crows: Have You Seen Me Lately? focused on a San Francisco indie group becoming one of the biggest bands of the 1990's. Although many of the discussions in this film were from more recent times the focus of this documentary was on the Counting Crows' first two albums and its lead singer Adam Duritz who became the face or should we say the hair of the band. As the front man Adam was the focal point and like many others he struggled with fame, touring and self-discovery. All this was presented through archival footage, music, revealing interviews and videos. This HBO Documentary Film was compelling, so much so, that we dug out our Counting Crows CDs to relive their reflective and often melancholy muse.

Sun Ra: Do the Impossible told the story of a musician born in Alabama in the year 1914. However, this artist became Sun Ra when he stated that he was sent from Saturn to transform the state of Black life in America. Sun Ra was a pioneer and with his various incarnations of the band Arkestra expanded the boundaries of free form jazz, electronic music, space rock and more. Sun Ra also became an activist, cosmologist, Egyptologist and poet. His unique story was told by band members, dancers, fans and scholars along with interviews with the man himself. Sun Ra may have been a bit out there but he was a man of peace that inspired others to reach for higher musical planes.

The Counting Crows revealed how they became the biggest band of the late 90's in Nashville.

From Saturn we went back to Earth with You Got Gold A Celebration of John Prine. Many considered Prine (1946-2020) one of the most influential songwriters of his generation. Back in 2022, family and friends organized a tribute concert that was beautify recorded at the Ryman Auditorium to honor this special being. The film featured performances from the Ryman, interviews along with footage of John in concert. Many high-caliber artists were there to honor Prine with several citing him as the source for lighting their own creative spark. These gatherings have become an annual event in Nashville but for those who cannot come to Music City You Got Gold A Celebration of John Prine is a great way to enjoy the music of the legendary John Prine.

Opryland USA: A Circle Broken (a TN Feature) documented the unexpected closure of Opryland USA in 1997 that remains one of Nashville's greatest losses. All these years later, people are still asking "why was Opryland closed and replaced with a mall"? This movie addresses that with a nostalgic look at this lost treasure. The tale of Opryland was told though interviews, photos and vintage videos. We learned that music came first at this amusement park and it was not all country. Folks from near and far would audition to work at Opryland and only the best were selected. The dance and music numbers were taken very seriously and for many Opryland shaped who they would become as artists and industry professionals.

Digital signage shows just how extensive the viewing options were on Saturday at the Festival.

People reacted very strongly to Opryland USA: A Circle Broken. Granted many were locals who had spent their childhood at Opryland. However, even for us who had only heard of it, we felt sadness paired with a bit of anger. Greed closed Opryland and one can see that the trend of a select few making decisions that does not benefit the community is still very much the norm thus no lesson learned. However, during the closing remarks - the Q&A panel focused on the positives stating that they were thankful that Opryland had been a part of their lives.

Movies and more at the Nashville Film Fest where we met folks from TooFar Media who were handing out gifts and information. We found out that TooFar Media was founded by Rich Shapero an author, musician and producer. For over two decades Rich has cultivated new ground in the field of experiential literature. TooFar Media's free app blends art, books, cinematic animation and music to tell stories in unique and innovative ways.

Cinephiles from near and far uncovered the future of film at the 56th Nashville Film Festival and enjoyed a well-curated selection of new independent releases with many of them coming to the big or small screens in the near future, so be on the lookout for all these quality productions and start making plans to attend the Nashville Film Festival in 2026.

The creative team from Opryland USA: A Circle Broken do a Q&A at the Belcourt.

Related Links: For more information on the NASHVILLE FILM FESTIVAL and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Nashville Film Festival | The Nashville Film Festival Challenges Conventions and Breaks Down Barriers on Opening Night at Belcourt Theatre in Hillsboro Village | On Location with the 2023 Nashville Film Festival