Everyone knows Elvis Presley’s In the Ghetto and A Little Less Conversation. But who wrote those songs? That was Mac Davis, and almost no one has heard of him. He shares this fate with dozens of other songwriters who have been responsible for massive hits. Coincidentally, many of them live in Nashville, Tennessee – though this documentary reveals that isn’t quite as accidental as it seems.
Nashville became a musical city (there are even concerts in the banks sometimes) and full of songwriters over a period of time. The competition is intense, but it is the best place to learn the trade from the masters, who prove willing to help beginners out. Among other things, the film deals with how songs develop and shows two songwriters collaboratively composing a new one.
After the screening, stick around for a Q&A with and performance by Arjan Spies (The Kik).
Scopitone Café, free admission
Film details
- Country of production
- USA
- Year
- 2018
- Festival edition
- IFFR 2019
- Length
- 80"
- Medium/Format
- DCP
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