By Mabel Pais

The Sound Unseen Film + Music Festival (November 3-6 in Austin, November 9-13 in Minneapolis) presents its annual 23rd edition of the popular film festival. With an expansion of screening presentations in Austin, ‘Sound Unseen’ has solidified its standing as a two-city film festival, with back-to-back weekends in Austin and Minneapolis. The Austin Festival takes place at the Austin Film Society Cinema (6259 Middle Fiskville Rd) and the Minneapolis Festival takes place at multiple locations. Virtual screenings run November 12-19. Sound Unseen’s Program Director Rich Gill, said, “What began as an idea to bolster our pandemic response by bringing our Sound Unseen “show” to both Austin and Minneapolis virtually and then dip our toes into the in-person screenings in Austin adding to our traditional screenings and events in Minneapolis has been received with more enthusiasm than we could have ever imagined. So, we are now a full-fledged two-city film festival, based in two of the most influential musical cities in the country. It makes sense that we would find ourselves in this place and we could not be more excited to increase our presence down in Texas while also delivering the Sound Unseen experience that Minnesota has come to expect from us.”

THE 2022 SOUND UNSEEN FILM LINEUP

SOUND UNSEEN IN AUSTIN

OPENING NIGHT

Finding Her Beat

Dirs: Dawn Mikkelson, Keri Pickett l USA l 1h 27m

For thousands of years women have been locked out of Taiko drumming. Not anymore. In the dead of a Minnesota winter, Asian drumming divas smash gender roles and redefine power on their own terms. ‘Finding Her Beat’ dives into the rhythms and struggles that lead to an electrifying historic performance that changes everything.

The evening is expected to include a special performance of the dynamic Taiko drumming as well as a Q&A with the directors.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Friday I’m In Love                                                              

Dir: Marcus Pontello l USA l 1h 24m

Since 1978, Numbers Nightclub has been a home to the underground and LGBTQ communities in Houston, becoming one of the longest running nightclubs in the U.S. ‘Friday I’m In Love’ is told through the personal connection to Numbers by the film’s queer filmmaker (Marcus Pontello), who reveals the club’s history alongside events like the AIDS crisis, police brutality against the LGBTQ+ and the rise in hate crimes during the ‘90s.

Meet Me In The Bathroom

Dirs: Will Lovelace, Dylan Southern l United Kingdom l 1h 45m

An immersive journey through the New York music scene of the early 2000s. Set against the backdrop of 9/11, this documentary tells the story of how a new generation kickstarted a musical rebirth for New York City that reverberated around the world.

Joining the gala presentation includes an appearance by author Lizzie Goodman.

In addition, there are 8 short films,and 5 music videos.

SOUND UNSEEN IN MINNEAPOLIS

OPENING NIGHT

Meet Me In The Bathroom  

Dirs: Will Lovelace, Dylan Southern l UK l 1h 45m

An immersive journey through the New York music scene of the early 2000s. Set against the backdrop of 9/11, this documentary tells the story of how a new generation kickstarted a musical rebirth for New York City that reverberated around the world.

CENTERPIECE SCREENING

Finding Her Beat   

Dirs: Dawn Mikkelson, Keri Pickett l USA l 1h 27m 

For thousands of years women have been locked out of Taiko drumming. Not anymore. In the dead of a Minnesota winter, Asian drumming divas smash gender roles and redefine power on their own terms. Finding Her Beat dives into the rhythms and struggles that lead to an electrifying historic performance that changes everything. 

Geoff Marslett will join the gala presentation.

CLOSING NIGHT SELECTION

Quantum Cowboys 

Dir: Geoff Marslett l USA l 1h 40m

‘Quantum Cowboys’ is an old-fashioned western about two haplessly charming drifters, Frank and Bruno, who team up with Linde, recover her land and trek across 1870s southern Arizona in order to find an elusive frontier musician. But it is also the director’s love letter to Quantum Physics, Animation, Music and Memories. 

In addition, there are 4 Special Presentations, 21 Additional Features, 11 Short Films, and 7 Music Videos.

TICKETS

For a complete film lineup, more information on ‘Sound Unseen’ and to purchase virtual passes and tickets, visit soundunseen.com.

SOUND UNSEEN

Sound Unseen LLC founded in 1999, is a cultural organization dedicated to the role of film and music as a conduit of powerful ideas and diverse viewpoints. Its mission is to foster a greater appreciation of cinema, to bridge cultures, create and expand community, provide cultural exchange, networking opportunities and educational outreach through regular interaction with great films, filmmakers, musicians, and artists. 

(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health & Wellness, Cuisine and Spirituality)