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Air Guitar Nation
rating:3.5

Air Guitar Nation

2006Runtime:0 minutes
If your bedroom has become too small a stage for your air guitar antics, take inspiration from the competitors featured here as they battle their way from the inaugural U.S. Air Guitar Championship to the world championship in Oulu, Finland. Along the way, filmmaker Alexandra Lipsitz documents the fierce rivalries that develop as would-be rock legends vie for top honors in technical accuracy, stage presence and "airness."

Directed by:

  • Alexandra Lipsitz
  • rating:3.5 3.5 Average Rating

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    You Weren't There: A History of Chicago Punk: 1977-1984
    rating:3.5

    You Weren't There: A History of Chicago Punk: 1977-1984

    2009Runtime:0 minutes
    Often overshadowed by the stars of the New York scene, Chicago punk gets its day in the limelight in this raw documentary that captures the noisemakers and tastemakers who left their mark at venues like La Mere Vipere and Oz. Despite harassment from the authorities and neighbors, local bands and punk legends like Big Black and Naked Raygun ensured that the Windy City would play a key part in the revolution.

    Directed by:

  • Joe Losurdo
  • Christina Tillman
  • rating:3.5 3.5 Average Rating

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    Punk's Not Dead
    rating:3.5

    Punk's Not Dead

    2007Runtime:0 minutes
    This documentary explores the evolution of punk music, tracing the scene from era to era with the bands that have come to define the genre. Sanctioned by the artists, this film features contributions from bands like the Ramones, Black Flag and NOFX.

    Directed by:

  • Susan Dyner
  • rating:3.5 3.5 Average Rating

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    Björk: Greatest Hits
    rating:3.5

    Björk: Greatest Hits

    1993Runtime:0 minutes
    Daring vocalist Björk is unafraid to explore new musical territory, and her best discoveries are collected in this anthology of music videos that show her range and depth, from the heavy dance beats of "Hyperballad" to the dark tones of "Army of Me." Exemplifying Björk's commitment to strong visual storytelling, the videos assembled were directed by such famous names as Spike Jonze and Michel Gondry.

    Directed by:

  • Spike Jonze
  • Danny Cannon
  • John Kricfalusi
  • Chris Cunningham
  • Michel Gondry
  • Sophie Muller
  • rating:3.5 3.5 Average Rating

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    Metal: A Headbanger's Journey
    rating:3.5

    Metal: A Headbanger's Journey

    2005Runtime:0 minutes
    Toting his camera to the forests of Norway, the streets of Birmingham, Ala., and the dark side of Los Angeles's Sunset Strip, filmmaker Sam Dunn explores heavy metal culture from the inside, shedding light on extremes associated with the art form. Dunn explores the origins of metal subgenres such as power, glam, thrash, black and death. The authentic soundtrack includes music from Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Slayer, Motorhead, Rush and Slipknot.

    Directed by:

  • Sam Dunn
  • Jessica Joy Wise
  • Scott McFadyen
  • rating:3.5 3.5 Average Rating

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    Bluegrass Journey
    rating:3.5

    Bluegrass Journey

    2004Runtime:0 minutes
    A treat for the eyes and ears, this musical documentary charts the history -- and captures the joyful spirit -- of bluegrass through interviews with and performances from some of the most celebrated artists of the genre. Featured acts include the Del McCoury Band, Nickel Creek, Jerry Douglas and Tim O'Brien. Fusing traditional Appalachian folk music with the energy of the blues, the timeless sound of bluegrass continues to win over new fans.

    Directed by:

  • Nancy Kennedy
  • rating:3.5 3.5 Average Rating

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    Gypsy Caravan
    rating:3.5

    Gypsy Caravan

    2006Runtime:0 minutes
    Join five international bands for a six-week tour of North America in an extravaganza of music and culture. The lyrical documentary features performances by Esma Redzepova, Maharaja, Fanfare Ciocarlia and other artists. Celebrate the diversity of the Romani people and their music, which includes flamenco, brass band, Indian folk, Romanian violin, jazz and raga. Johnny Depp, a fan of the Gypsy lifestyle, appears in this joyful musical portrait.

    Directed by:

  • Jasmine Dellal
  • rating:3.5 3.5 Average Rating

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    Motley Crue: Greatest Video Hits
    rating:3.5

    Motley Crue: Greatest Video Hits

    2003Runtime:0 minutes
    Heavy metal group Motley Crue is known as much for their frenetic, over-the-top live shows as they are for their music videos. This video collects some of their best hits, including "Kickstart My Heart," "Girls, Girls, Girls," "Dr. Feelgood," "You're All I Need," "Too Young to Fall in Love," "Smokin' in the Boys Room," "Hooligan's Holiday" and "Home Sweet Home," plus interviews with Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee. Note: Contains explicit content.

    Directed by:

  • Nancy Bardawil
  • rating:3.5 3.5 Average Rating

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    Prokofiev: War and Peace
    rating:3.5

    Prokofiev: War and Peace

    2004Runtime:0 minutes
    Soprano Olga Gouriakova sings the role of Natacha, while Nathan Gunn lends his lush baritone to the part of André in this Paris National Opera production of composer Sergei Prokofiev's interpretation of the literary classic War and Peace. Written as Adolf Hitler's Nazis were invading Prokofiev's Russian homeland, the story's themes take on added weight in an opera heavy with emotion. Maestro Gary Bertini conducts the orchestra and chorus.

    Directed by:

  • Francesca Zambello
  • rating:3.5 3.5 Average Rating

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    Youssou N'Dour: I Bring What I Love
    rating:3.4

    Youssou N'Dour: I Bring What I Love

    2008Runtime:0 minutes
    This documentary from filmmaker Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi chronicles the controversy surrounding renowned Senegalese singer Youssou N'Dour, who recorded his stirring album "Egypt" as a celebration of his Islamic faith. Considered too irreverent by religious conservatives in Senegal, and initially met with suspicion by audiences in a post-9/11 America, N'Dour nevertheless persists and meets both challenges with grace.

    Directed by:

  • Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi
  • rating:3.4 3.4 Average Rating

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    No Doubt: Live in the Tragic Kingdom
    rating:3.4

    No Doubt: Live in the Tragic Kingdom

    1997Runtime:0 minutes
    Anaheim-based band No Doubt gets back to its roots with this lively 1997 concert filmed in their hometown. Showcasing the wildly popular rockers' extensive catalog, exuberant lead singer Gwen Stefani stays true to form, offering up a stylishly active performance. Hits from the group's highly successful debut release, "Tragic Kingdom," are largely featured, including "Just a Girl," "Don't Speak," "Spiderwebs," "Sunday Morning" and more.

    Directed by:

  • Sophie Muller
  • rating:3.4 3.4 Average Rating

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    Ella Fitzgerald: Something to Live For
    rating:3.4

    Ella Fitzgerald: Something to Live For

    1999Runtime:0 minutes
    The career of Ella Fitzgerald, one of the most distinctive voices of the 20th century, is spotlighted in this comprehensive documentary featuring the most complete concert footage of Fitzgerald ever assembled, including shows from Denmark, France, Germany and the United States. Also included are rare interviews with her family and colleagues, vintage photos from Decca and Verve and television clips of the stunning and beautiful songbird.

    Directed by:

  • Charlotte Zwerin
  • rating:3.4 3.4 Average Rating

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    Luther Vandross: Journeys in Black
    rating:3.4

    Luther Vandross: Journeys in Black

    2001Runtime:0 minutes
    Black Entertainment Television presents a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the life and work of soul singer Luther Vandross. Born in Harlem, Vandross developed a love for music after seeing performances at the Apollo Theater as a child. It was time well spent, as his inimitable rhythm and blues vocal stylings have become the "sound of love" for more than 20 years.

    Directed by:

  • Stephanie Frederic
  • rating:3.4 3.4 Average Rating

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    The Carter Family: Will the Circle be Unbroken: American Experience
    rating:3.4

    The Carter Family: Will the Circle be Unbroken: American Experience

    2005Runtime:0 minutes
    Decades ago, The Carter Family changed the face of folk music and lifted the spirit of the nation by singing tunes that gave voice to the struggles of everyday Americans during the soul-weary Depression years. Discover their roots and learn how this influential group managed to capture the imaginations of music lovers throughout the nation. This documentary features interviews with such artists as Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson.

    Directed by:

  • Kathy Conkwright
  • rating:3.4 3.4 Average Rating

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    Mamma Mia!
    rating:3.4

    Mamma Mia!

    2008Runtime:0 minutes
    On the idyllic Greek isle of Kalokairi, single mom Donna Sheridan (Meryl Streep) goes into a tizzy when her bride-to-be daughter (Amanda Seyfried), in a bid to learn her father's identity, invites three of Donna's ex-lovers to the wedding. Buoyed by the tunes of ABBA, this effervescent yarn -- a Golden Globe nominee for Best Picture (Comedy or Musical) -- also stars Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgård as the trio of potential dads.

    Directed by:

  • Phyllida Lloyd
  • rating:3.4 3.4 Average Rating

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    Recording the Producers: A Musical Romp with Mel Brooks
    rating:3.4

    Recording the Producers: A Musical Romp with Mel Brooks

    2001Runtime:0 minutes
    The exuberant atmosphere of the Broadway blockbuster is captured in Recording the Producers: A Musical Romp With Mel Brooks, a new 85-minute film from the Emmy Award-winning director Susan Froemke and Maysles Films. The film candidly captures the excitement of translating the show into a complete experience for the recording's audience.

    Directed by:

  • Susan Froemke
  • rating:3.4 3.4 Average Rating

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    Now and Then
    rating:3.8

    Now and Then

    1995Runtime:0 minutes
    Waxing nostalgic about the bittersweet passage from childhood to puberty in this tender coming-of-age tale, four childhood girlfriends -- Teeny, Chrissy, Samantha and Roberta -- recall the magical summer of 1970. During their walk down memory lane, they reconcile experiences with boys, secrets, bullies and more. Lesli Linka Glatter directs; Gaby Hoffmann, Ashleigh Aston Moore, Cloris Leachman, Thora Birch and Christina Ricci co-star.

    Directed by:

  • Lesli Linka Glatter
  • rating:3.8 3.8 Average Rating

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    Now and Then (1995)
    A heartwarming movie about four childhood girlfriends who, in adulthood reunion, relive their experience of the life-changing summer of 1970, including a mystery death, divorce, standing up to the boys, first kiss, and the meaning of true friendship. Each explores her unique identity amidst family and friends. Beautifully directed by Lesli Linka Glatter.
    - Frances   
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    frances 'at' femaledirectors.com