Sound Unseen, Austin's premier celebration of the symbiotic relationship between music and film, is set to return for its first independent production in the city this year. The festival, which originated in Minneapolis in 1999, has been a fixture in Austin for the past three years, thanks to the visionary Becky Arreaga. With her leadership, the festival is poised to showcase the best of both worlds, blending the city's vibrant music and film scenes.
Arreaga's passion for the festival is evident in her words: "We're a music town and we're a film town. How many cities across the country get to have those two... claims to fame?" Her enthusiasm is infectious, and it's clear that she's dedicated to making Sound Unseen a highlight of Austin's cultural calendar.
This year, Sound Unseen will feature a diverse range of films, including feature-length documentaries and videos that capture the essence of the music scene. The festival will also include filmmaker Q&As, industry meetups, and live music events, providing a well-rounded experience for attendees.
One of the highlights of the festival is the screening of 'Shut Up and Sing,' a documentary that explores the political backlash faced by The Chicks after singer Natalie Maines publicly criticized President Bush for the Iraq War. The film's relevance in today's political climate is undeniable, and it promises to spark thought-provoking discussions.
Arreaga's team, consisting of all volunteers, reviewed over 200 submissions to curate a selection of seven feature-length films and six shorts. Among the filmmakers is Lauren Yap, who directed a short documentary about the Austin punk band Meat Joy. Yap's passion for the band's genuine and radical spirit is evident in their words: "The documentary encapsulates their energy as a band, which is very cooperative, very grassroots, very anyone can do anything."
The festival also showcases local talent, including a documentary about the Austin punk band Big Boys and videos from Tele Novella and Mama Duke. Arreaga's excitement is palpable as she anticipates the bands' reactions to seeing their work on the big screen.
Additionally, Sound Unseen will feature a movie about Grammy winner Sara Bareilles, titled 'Good Grief,' which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. The director, Josh Alexander, will be in attendance, adding to the festival's allure.
Arreaga's vision for the festival is inclusive, catering to music and film enthusiasts of all tastes and decades. She dreams of a world where every Austin resident can experience the magic of these films, and her dedication to making that dream a reality is inspiring.
Sound Unseen will run from August 6th to 9th at AFS Cinema. With a diverse lineup and a passionate team behind it, this year's festival promises to be a must-attend event for anyone interested in the intersection of music and film.
