Austin Film Festival Preview: Music-Related Films [#aff10]

Sure, it’s called the Austin Film Festival, has “film” right there in the title, and so it stand to reason that it’s going to be all about movies. But it also says “Austin” and what is this town about if not music? And obviously, it’s possible to combine the two. Want proof? We put together a list of the music-related films that caught our eye this year.

We Are the Sea
Sean is an English teacher working in the same high school he graduated from. After a particularly tumultuous experience leaves him shaken, he starts to re-evaluate his life, and get to know his family. This moody film about the ties that bind is entirely scored with the music of Sam Beam. You may know him as Iron & Wine.
Screenings: Sunday at 5:45 p.m. at the Austin Convention Center and Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Arbor.

Echotone
This heavily anticipated doc takes a look into the growth of Austin—both as the Live Music Capital of the World and as a rapidly growing city, with up and coming metropolis, complete with complaining residents (t-shirts that say “Don’t move here,” noise complaints, etc.) and an impressive list of musical heavyweights, including Black Angels, Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, and Ghostland Observatory. Could be worthwhile for Austinites and the many out of towners who don’t know much about this wonderful city.
Screenings: Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Alamo Ritz 2 and Tuesday at 10 p.m. at the Texas Spirit Theater.

The Secret to a Happy Ending
Around these parts, just about everyone is familiar with the Drive By Truckers’ distinct blend of alt country/southern rock. Filmmaker Barr Weisman took three years’ worth of footage to get a feel for what it’s like behind the instruments.
Screenings: Sunday at 8:30 p.m. at the Austin Convention Center and Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Alamo Lake Creek.

Rainbow’s End
This documentary has a cast of characters so unique you will have trouble believing it’s not fictional. Country Willie and his gang of eccentric East Texans take a road trip to jam with the Legendary Stardust Cowboy in San Jose, California. These “austintatious” characters have a lot more character than talent, but their enthusiasm and unique brand of energy will more than entertain.
Screenings: Saturday at 5:15 p.m. at the Austin Convention Center and Wednesday at 10 p.m. at the Texas Spirit Theater.

Pickin’ and Grinnin’
We’re not sure how much actual music is in this film, but the story of two small-town musicians who’ve spent their life of singing jingles about corndogs but dream of more looks like a good time. (And hey, did we mention the song about corn dogs?) Jumping in their Winnebago to pursue their dreams in Nashville, they realize they actually have a lot yet to learn.
Screenings: Saturday at 3:45 p.m. at the Alamo Ritz 2 and Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Alamo Lake Creek.

Tickets for the Austin Film Festival, which will run from Oct. 21-28, can be purchased here.

Austinist is a proud returning media sponsor of Austin Film Festival 2010. You can check out all of our festival coverage with the tag "aff2010". If you're a filmmaker, actor, screenwriter or otherwise involved in something screening at the festival, we invite you to get in touch with us at film@austinist.com.

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