Welcome to our 35th annual edition of Reel Music. Whether your passion is jazz, blues, folk, rock, electronic, world, classical—or anything between—we hope you find something to discover and inspire in this eclectic mix of films that celebrate great artists, sound, and image, and connect music and culture. As always, our special thanks go to Music Millennium, True West, Willamette Week, Music Fest NW, All Classical Portland, PDX Jazz, XRAY.FM, and KBOO.
A Life in Waves
Directed by Brett Whitcomb
A Life in Waves explores the life and innovations of composer and electronic music pioneer Suzanne Ciani. From her earliest …
Bill Frisell: A Portrait
Directed by Emma Franz
Franz’s affectionate salute to archetype guitar hero Bill Frisell provides an overdue immersion into the creative world of one of …
Buena Vista Social Club: Adios
Directed by Lucy Walker
Wim Wenders’s Buena Vista Social Club (1999) introduced a wide new audience to the marvels of son cubano musicians and …
Charles Mingus: Triumph of the Underdog
Directed by Don McGlynn
“I am Charles Mingus, half black man, half yellow man. . . I play jazz, I am a Negro,” declares …
Chavela
Directed by Catherine Gund, Daresha Kyi
Chavela is a vivid salute to the wild, unconventional life of beloved performer Chavela Vargas, whose passionate renditions of Mexican …
Eric Clapton: Life In 12 Bars
Directed by Lili Fini Zanuck
For many the ultimate guitar hero, Eric Clapton is one of the most iconic figures in music and one of …
Itzhak
Directed by Alison Chernick
Israeli conductor and musician Itzhak Perlman, widely considered to be the greatest living violinist, takes us on a journey through …
Long Strange Trip: The Untold Story of the Grateful Dead
Directed by Amir Bar-Lev
Whether you are a dedicated Deadhead or not, Bar-Lev’s absorbing, inspiring film offers rewards for any student of rock music, …
Mama Africa: Miriam Makeba
Directed by Mika Kaurismäki
Miriam Makeba’s (1932–2008) music was anchored in her traditional South African roots. With her unique blend of Afro-pop, world music, …
Mr. Handy’s Blues
Directed by Joanna Fish
Known as the father of the blues, W.C. Handy (1873–1958) began his career as a minstrel, and ended it as …
Reel Music: Northwest Music Video Showcase
Directed by Various
Join us as we present a new installment of our annual showcase of great new music videos made by filmmakers …
Sammy Davis Jr: I’ve Gotta Be Me
Directed by Sam Pollard
Singer, dancer, and actor; “Rat Pack” legend; civil rights activist; Jewish convert; and Nixon supporter—the life of Sammy Davis, Jr. …
Straight into a Storm—Deer Tick
Directed by William Miller
Straight Into A Storm centers on Deer Tick's 10th anniversary run in New York City. It is a portrait of a …
The Big Beat: Fats Domino and the Birth of Rock and Roll
Directed by Joe Lauro
From New Orleans to Blueberry Hill, the teaming of Antoine “Fats” Domino Jr. and Dave Bartholomew is remembered as a …
The Last Hot Lick
Directed by Mahalia Cohen
Jack Willits is “The Last Hot Lick,” a pushing-70 musician on a never-ending tour of small gigs in Eastern Oregon. …
Trouble No More
Directed by Jennifer Lebeau
Trouble No More showcases Bob Dylan’s creative and spiritual mindset during his “born again” gospel era, which generated three of …
Voices of Light The Passion of Joan of Arc
Directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer
One of the most elemental and stunning silent films in world cinema, Dreyer’s examination of the trial of Joan of …