It is a revealing documentary about the iconic musician and the impact he has had on the music industry and society. Through an archive of previously unpublished stories and media, the film uncovers Muzaffarli's lesser-known public and social activities, giving audiences a fresh perspective on the man behind the music.
Turntables (NaN)
"Turntables" explores the vibrant world of vinyl records through Vishwas, a dedicated store manager in Hauz Khas, New Delhi. Amidst the bustling streets, Vishwas shares his passion for analog music, fostering a community united by the timeless allure of vinyl.
mm 49: Vivian Fine Marathon! (2014)
"mm"s are m(usic(ian's))m(eetings) mostly held at the Who Unit? in Pittsburgh as a 21st century salon of sorts where formal interests can be broached casually. Attendees delight in sharing their sometimes obscure & sometimes popular musical (& otherwise) loves. For mm 49 (in the 37th month of "mm"'s history) a marathon listening party celebrating the music of Vivian Fine was decided upon. Fine was a dedicated composer who produced a variety of work over a 70 year career. This movie, of course, is not an imitation of Ken Burns style documentary movie-making. Instead, I gleefully mix the casualness & lively uninhibited conversation of mms with the formal exactitude of Fine's music. I hope you enjoy it as an upstanding example of Punk Classical. "Bah to the Bourgeoisie"! Note that I'm starting to disappear in this movie - will you miss me when I'm gone? This is my 111th feature & my 404th movie.
Amy Winehouse: The Day She Came to Dingle (2012)
Back in 2006 on a stormy December night, Amy Winehouse flew to the remote, south western corner of Ireland to perform for Other Voices, an acclaimed Irish TV music series filmed in Dingle every winter. Amy took to the stage of Saint James's church, capacity 85, and wowed the small, packed crowd with a searing, acoustic set of songs from Back to Black. After leaving the stage, a relaxed and happy Amy spoke about her music and influences - Mahalia Jackson, Sarah Vaughan, Ray Charles and the Shangri-Las to name a few. Arena joined forces with Other Voices and went to Dingle to catch up with some of the people that Amy met on that day, including taxi driver Paddy Kennedy, her bass player Dale Davis and Rev Mairt Hanley of the Other Voices church. This film showcases not only Amy herself, but the musical geniuses that inspired her to forge her own jazz pop style.
Ohio Walnuts (2023)
A feature documentary about Ohio-based artist Sparks McFly and his friends as they attempt to conceptualize, write, record, and produce a rap album over the course of just 7 days.
Elvis Presley: The Searcher (2018)
Two-part documentary about the life of Elvis Presley featuring interviews with his ex-wife Priscilla Presley, guitarist Scotty Moore, childhood friend Red West and musicians Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Emmylou Harris and Robbie Robertson.
The Admiral: Pub, Drums and Food (2018)
A documentary short catching up with John Halsey a.k.a. Barry Wom of The Rutles
Suzi Q (2019)
Story of trailblazing American rock singer-songwriter Suzi Quatro, who helped redefine the role of women in rock 'n' roll when she broke out in 1973.
Jason Isbell: Running With Our Eyes Closed (2023)
An exploration of the personal and creative struggles behind the music of four-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Jason Isbell.
Woodstock (1970)
An intimate look at the Woodstock Music & Art Festival held in Bethel, NY in 1969, from preparation through cleanup, with historic access to insiders, blistering concert footage, and portraits of the concertgoers; negative and positive aspects are shown, from drug use by performers to naked fans sliding in the mud, from the collapse of the fences by the unexpected hordes to the surreal arrival of National Guard helicopters with food and medical assistance for the impromptu city of 500,000.
Sickened No More: Documenting the Life and Death of Weekend Nachos (2017)
In 2004 a group of friends took the stage at a small coffee house in Dekalb Illinois with the sole purpose of pissing off everyone. Surprisingly, enough people liked what the band was doing that they continued to play music under the name Weekend Nachos. This documentary simply tells the story of Weekend Nachos.
A simple rhythm (2011)
A meditative and philosophical exploration of rhythm and synchronization. A complex, artfully constructed and densely layered film that creates an immersive experience that can, at times, make the viewer feel almost in situ with the images and sounds on the screen. Interview subjects span a broad range of disciplines. As individuals and as a society, we have a tendency to keep in step.
Hit me with music (2011)
30 years after Bob Marley's death Jamaica continues to be on top of the world-wide music scene. Reggae has evolved into a new genre, Dancehall.
Merlin Nightclub: The Last Dance (2023)
Merlin nightclub opened in 1992 in Barcelona and its medieval appearance did not leave anyone indifferent from the first day. After more than 30 years of enjoying the night with its characteristic atmosphere and varied musical selection, the castle was forced to close its doors in January 2023 despite filling the room every weekend. This video immortalizes the place through its regular customers and staff.
Flying V (2020)
Flying V chronicles the origin of the most unique guitar on earth and its incredible influence on the history of Rock and Roll and Heavy Metal. Hear from the Rock Stars themselves as they describe how, when, and why the Flying V forever changed their careers and altered their entire approach to guitar playing. Journey inside the minds of the biggest icons of our era as they tell their riveting tales of discovery and passion for their beloved Flying V's. Exclusive interviews with members of Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Judas Priest, Mercyful Fate, Scorpions, Accept, Michael Schenker Group and more. This musical journey is one you will want to take over and over again as secrets of the Flying V guitar are revealed like never before!
Yogee New Waves - LIVE at TOKYO LIQUIDROOM 2017.3.25 (2017)
In 2017, Japanese rock band Yogee New Waves plays a solo concert at the LIQUIDROOM in Tokyo, Japan.
Ending Is the Beginning - The Mitch Lucker Memorial Show (2014)
On 21.12.2012 in the Fox Theater in Pomona, California, a Suicide Silence Memorial-concert for Mitch Lucker took place. The motto of the concert was "Ending is the beginning". A range of guest-musicians, friends and fans of the Deathcore-legend Suicide Silence concelebrated with the band in loving memory of the late singer. Mitch Lucker died on 01.11.2012 after a tragic motorbike crash. He left his wife and their daughter Kenadee behind.
Russification in pop style (2024)
A documentary about how Russia has been using popular culture as a weapon against Ukraine for decades. Together with industry participants, the film's narrator, musician Albert Tsukrenko, explores the financial, political and psychological reasons for the vulnerability of Ukrainian artists and reflects on how to break this vicious circle. Unfortunately, our own Ukrainian talents are becoming the ammunition in this weapon. Several generations of original Ukrainian musicians at different times in the 1970s and 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, and 2010s switched from Ukrainian to Russian in their work. Whether willingly or unwittingly, they became tools of Russian show business, which has always sought to blur the cultural border between Russia and Ukraine and worked to promote the imperial myth of "one nation".