Strange Parallel

Strange Parallel is a documentary/short film revolving around the American singer/songwriter Elliott Smith. The film features interviews with Elliott himself as well as fans, friends and other acquaintances of his (including Gus Van Sant, Larry Crane, and the members of Quasi). The film also includes snippets of Elliott Smith performing as well as footage of him recording an unreleased song, "Brand New Game". The film sometimes moves out of reality, with acted-out, metaphorical sequences that involve Elliott considering purchasing a mechanic...

Songs for Cassavetes

In this documentary from director Justin Mitchell, the world of the U.S. indie-music scene of the 1980s and '90s is explored, specifically with regard to how it transcended clichés about where music was heading in that era. Taking its title from renowned independent cinema pioneer John Cassavetes, the black-and-white film takes a peek at several fringe bands of the period, including Sleater-Kinney, the Make-up, and the Hi-Fives, and their various attitudes toward the ever-changing business.

Burn to Shine - Vol. 3: Portland, OR 06.15.2005

This is the third in a film series produced by Fugazi's Brendan Canty and directed by filmmaker Christoph Green. It features live performances by The Shins, Sleater-Kinney, The Decemberists, Mirah, The Thermals, Quasi, The Gossip, Wet Confetti, The Planet The, Lifesavas, The Ready, and Tom Heinl. The crew travels from town to town filming bands performing in houses that're about to be demolished or burned to the ground. In one day they document the house, the bands, and the demolition, then put it together in a 50-minute movie and move on to...