In-Edit Festival: Two Decades of Cinematic Rhythms and Musical Journeys
In-Edit Barcelona, the world’s premier festival for music documentaries, returns this year from October 23 to November 3, once again bridging the gap between the realms of music and film.
Over its two-decade history, In-Edit has evolved from a niche event into an international celebration, attracting filmmakers, musicians, and music enthusiasts from around the world. Now in its 22nd edition, it has cemented itself as a global phenomenon, a singular platform that honors the convergence of audio-visual storytelling and music history.
Since its inception in 2003, In-Edit has grown steadily, starting with modest beginnings in Barcelona and expanding its influence to cities like Santiago, São Paulo, and Berlin. Today, it stands as the largest festival of its kind, presenting a curated selection of music documentaries that span decades, genres, and continents. By offering a unique meeting point for musicians, directors, and fans, it transcends the boundaries of traditional film festivals, becoming a cultural staple for those seeking a deeper understanding of music's impact on society.
The Rise of Music Documentaries
Over the last few decades, the music documentary genre has experienced a remarkable resurgence. No longer confined to archival footage and concert films, the genre now dives deep into the lives, trials, and tribulations of the artists themselves. These documentaries provide unprecedented access, revealing the personal stories behind the music, the creative process, and the cultural contexts that shape artistic expression.
Music documentaries have become a vital part of the cultural conversation, offering a window into a world that is both familiar and enigmatic. From iconic rock bands to underground movements, they have the power to humanize the mythic figures of music history, giving viewers a nuanced understanding of their lives and art. In-Edit’s selection each year reflects this diversity, showing how the genre has expanded in scope, tackling themes of identity, resilience, and creativity.
2024 Festival Highlights: A Journey Through Sound and Vision
The 22nd edition of In-Edit boasts a robust program that includes a diverse array of music documentaries, from intimate portraits of iconic artists to behind-the-scenes looks at genre-defining moments. Below is a glimpse into some of the most anticipated films at this year's festival:
Gala Screenings Highlights:
The festival will open with the world premiere of La Joia: Bad Gyal on October 23. Directed by David Camarero, this documentary follows Catalan reggaeton star Bad Gyal as she navigates the complexities of the music industry. From Barcelona to Miami, with stops in Milan and Paris, the film captures her relentless drive to break into the mainstream despite numerous setbacks, including the year-long delay of her debut album, La Joia. More Info.
Directed by Carlos Sánchez, this film gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the rumba duo Estopa as they prepare for one of the most important concerts of their career. The documentary showcases the nerves, memories, and elation of two brothers from Cornellà del Llobregat in the 24 hours leading up to the event, offering an intimate portrait of their enduring connection to their roots and fanbase. More Info.
Directed by Marcos Cabotá, this documentary revisits the journey of D’Nash, the Spanish boy band that represented Spain at Eurovision in 2007. The film delves into their experience and the lasting impact of their performance, exploring how they were almost erased from the official history of Spain’s Eurovision efforts. More Info.
In-Edit Live Section Highlights:
Directed by Gary Hustwit, this documentary takes a deep dive into the life of Brian Eno, one of the most influential composers and producers of the 20th century. The film traces his evolution from glam rock to ambient music, offering insight into his work with iconic artists like David Bowie, U2, and Talking Heads. It's a celebration of Eno’s boundless creativity and his quest to dismantle conventional musical structures. More Info.
Directed by César Martínez Herrada, this documentary follows the Granada-based band Lagartija Nick as they conceptualize and record their 2022 album El perro andaluz. Inspired by the poetry of filmmaker Luis Buñuel, the film is a deep dive into avant-garde influences and the 30-year career of one of Spain's most experimental rock bands. More Info.
Official International Section Highlights:
Directed by Dianna Dilworth and Julia Greenberg, this film takes audiences into the mind of cult singer-songwriter Dory Previn, exploring her tumultuous career in the 1970s. With its surreal aesthetic, the documentary presents a profound exploration of mental health, creativity, and the life of an artist who struggled with her demons while producing groundbreaking music. More Info.
Directed by Dream Hampton, this film serves as a time capsule of 1993-1995, a pivotal era in hip-hop. Featuring rare, behind-the-scenes footage of Notorious B.I.G., Cypress Hill, and A Tribe Called Quest, the documentary immerses viewers in the golden age of hip-hop, capturing a transformative moment in American culture. More Info.
ZEF: The Story of Die Antwoord
By Jon Day, this film offers a raw and hallucinatory look at the rise of South African rap-rave duo Die Antwoord. Through interviews and archival footage, the documentary unpacks the band’s unlikely global success and their eccentric blend of performance art and music. More Info.
Official National Section Highlights:
Directed by Miguel Morillo Vega, this thought-provoking documentary follows an 18-year-old musician who designs a cybernetic organ in an attempt to translate subatomic particles into musical notes. As he searches for a surgeon willing to perform the illegal operation, the film touches on themes of identity, technology, and the future of human evolution. More Info.
La guitarra flamenca de Yerai Cortés
Directed by Antón Álvarez (C. Tangana), this documentary revolves around a family secret and the profound influence of flamenco guitar. It follows Yerai Cortés as he uncovers his family’s past, offering a deeply personal and evocative narrative about heritage and tradition. More Info.
International Panorama Highlights:
Directed by Jeff Dupre, this documentary, first screened at SXSW 2024, takes a look at the duo of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney. With candid interviews and archival footage, it explores the “marriage of convenience” that has made The Black Keys one of the most influential rock bands of the modern era. More Info.
Directed by Dana Flor, this piece film follows Ani DiFranco, the feminist and queer icon who has spent decades fighting for independence from the major music labels. The documentary portrays her struggles, triumphs, and the emotional toll of staying true to her values in an industry that often demands compromise. More Info.
Directed by Chris Smith this documentary is a vibrant journey through time, capturing the subversive essence of electronic punk pioneers and the art of the music video. With a dizzying visual style inspired by silent cinema, classic sci-fi films, and 1950s advertising, Chris Smith, the director of documentaries like Jim & Andy, Fyre, and American Movie, celebrates the wild trajectory of these innovators. More Info.
Directed by Alex Ross Perry, at first glance, this film about the iconic '90s indie band Pavement seems like a conventional music documentary. But soon, it veers into something far more caustic and hilarious—a hybrid of musical, documentary, fiction, and comedy. The film follows the band as they prepare, after 12 years of silence, for their 2022 reunion tour. More Info.
Special Sections: Moritz and Etnia Barcelona Presents:
Two of the most eagerly awaited sections this year, Moritz Presents: Sounds of Barcelona and Etnia Barcelona Presents: La Mirada, highlight local and global stories with unique aesthetic and cultural significance. One standout from La Mirada is Catching Fire: The Story of Anita Pallenberg, directed by Alexis Bloom and Svetlana Zill. Narrated by Scarlett Johansson, it captures the life of the Italian-German actress and model who became a style icon and muse of The Rolling Stones.
Other highly anticipated films include Uncropped, a biography of the legendary New York cultural photojournalist James Hamilton, and The Fuzztones VS. The World, a documentary chronicling the career of Rudi Protrudi, the man behind the garage revival band The Fuzztones.
Looking Forward
As In-Edit enters its third decade, it continues to solidify its reputation as a festival where music and film lovers converge to celebrate the intersection of two powerful art forms. With an increasingly global lineup and a commitment to showcasing the personal stories behind the music, this year's festival promises to be a dynamic exploration of the sounds that shape our world. Whether it’s a look back at cult icons or a peek into the future of music, In-Edit remains an essential event for anyone who wants to experience music in a new way.
This edition, like those before it, will not only pay homage to the history of music documentaries but also serve as a platform for new voices and stories that push the boundaries of the genre.
Explore the entire program on the In-Edit official website.
