Tag Archives: documentary

“Life Without Parole” Documentary

Life Without Parole Documentary Screening and Q & A

Saturday, October 8, 2022

4 – 5 p.m. Screening

5:15 – 6 p.m. Q & A with Filmmakers and Special Guest George Martorano

Directed by Jill Frechie and co-produced with John Ricciutti, “Life Without Parole,” delves deep into the reasoning behind George Martorano’s incarceration and how he turned his life around, not only for himself but for those who he met in prison.

The privately funded MainLineTV.org award-winning documentary film tells the story of Martorano, who was sentenced to life without parole in 1984 for marijuana-related offenses. He is the longest serving prisoner, first time, non-violent offender, in judicial history. Martorano also served almost 5 years in solitary confinement.

After serving 32 years in prison, and filing dozens of appeals, Martorano, 71, was finally released on Oct. 5, 2015 from Coleman Federal Prison Complex in Florida, the last of a string of federal prisons where he was incarcerated.

“Life Without Parole” is a FirstGlance Film Festival Audience Choice Winner for both Best of the Fest and Best Documentary and a Telly Bronze Award Winner.

Admission is free but donations to the non-profit Lower Merion and Narberth PA TV are welcome.

Seats are limited, so please reserve your space by emailing info@vinylrevivalrecords.com.

All attendees will be entered in a raffle to win a pair of All Access Passes to the 25th annual FirstGlance Film Festival, October 14-16, 2022, at the Colonial Theatre, Phoenixville, PA.

The “Life Without Parole” screening will be held during Delco Arts Week.

Official Trailer

https://vimeo.com/601254413

“Edison 64” Screening – February 13th

“Edison 64,” a feature-length documentary produced by American Veterans Media that tells the story of the 64 students from Thomas Edison High School in Philadelphia that were killed during the Vietnam War, screens at Vinyl Revival.

Codirected by Shawn Swords and Roger Bruce, the film explores the time the students spent at Thomas Edison High School and aims to shine a light on, and pay tribute to, the disproportionate number of Edison students turned soldiers who enlisted in the hopes of a better life but who ended up giving their lives.

Screenings are FREE.

Seating is limited. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis.

“Edison 64” Screening – February 12th

“Edison 64,” a feature-length documentary produced by American Veterans Media that tells the story of the 64 students from Thomas Edison High School in Philadelphia that were killed during the Vietnam War, screens at Vinyl Revival.

 

Codirected by Shawn Swords and Roger Bruce, the film explores the time the students spent at Thomas Edison High School and aims to shine a light on, and pay tribute to, the disproportionate number of Edison students turned soldiers who enlisted in the hopes of a better life but who ended up giving their lives.

Screenings are FREE.

 

Seating is limited. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis.

“Edison 64” Screening – February 12th

“Edison 64,” a feature-length documentary produced by American Veterans Media that tells the story of the 64 students from Thomas Edison High School in Philadelphia that were killed during the Vietnam War, screens at Vinyl Revival.

Codirected by Shawn Swords and Roger Bruce, the film explores the time the students spent at Thomas Edison High School and aims to shine a light on, and pay tribute to, the disproportionate number of Edison students turned soldiers who enlisted in the hopes of a better life but who ended up giving their lives.
Screenings are FREE.

Seating is limited. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis.

“Edison 64” Film Screening – February 11th

“Edison 64,” a feature-length documentary produced by American Veterans Media that tells the story of the 64 students from Thomas Edison High School in Philadelphia that were killed during the Vietnam War, screens at Vinyl Revival.

Codirected by Shawn Swords and Roger Bruce, the film explores the time the students spent at Thomas Edison High School and aims to shine a light on, and pay tribute to, the disproportionate number of Edison students turned soldiers who enlisted in the hopes of a better life but who ended up giving their lives.

Screenings are FREE.

Seating is limited. Tickets are available on a first come, first served basis.

“Summer of Soul” Hits all the Right Notes

I’ve wanted to see “Summer of Soul (Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)” ever since I heard about its premiere at Sundance earlier this year. So when I saw that it was playing in the area, I decided to make my first movie theater visit in over a year.  I am so happy that I did!

For those unfamiliar with the film, “Summer of Soul” is a feature documentary about the legendary 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival which celebrated African American music and culture, and promoted Black pride and unity.

The directorial debut of Questlove from The Roots, the never-before-seen performance footage was fantastic and I loved how it was weaved into the overall historical and cultural context along with present-day interviews with attendees and performers.

The series of shows, directed and emceed by singer and DJ Tony Lawrence, took place over six weeks in the summer of 1969 at Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park) in Harlem and attracted a combined audience of over 300,000.  The shows were filmed. TV wasn’t interested.  The footage sat for 50 years…until now.

The archived footage was restored and it looks and sounds amazing! Some of the footage featured in the film includes performances by: Stevie Wonder who even played the drums at one point, B.B. King, Sly and the Family Stone, David Ruffin, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Nina Simone, The Staple Singers, Mahalia Jackson, The 5th Dimension, Hugh Masekela, Herbie Mann, Mongo Santamaria, and more!

There was a variety of musical styles and artists but the two performances that stood out for me were The 5th Dimension singing “Aquarius/Let the Sun Shine In” and Mahalia Jackson and Mavis Staples sharing singing duties on one of Martin Luther King Jr.’s favorite songs – “Take My Hand, Precious Lord.”

An interview with Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr. about their performance was particularly touching. McCoo spoke about how some people thought that The 5th Dimension was not Black enough. She said that playing to the predominantly Black crowd who embraced them made her happy.

And the vocals in the performance of “Precious Lord” will give you goosebumps.  In an interview for the film, Mavis spoke of her great love for Mahalia and that sharing the mic with her that day in Harlem was one of the best moments of her life.

I find it so disappointing that I never heard about this incredible festival before but I am so glad that Questlove and the documentary team decided to share the music, history, joy, pride, and culture of the Harlem community with us now!

I can’t say enough good things about this film.  I loved it and if you love music, you will too!

Official Film of Record Store Day, “The Smart Studios Story,” Screens at Vinyl Revival

The Smart Studios Story, November 16th

The Smart Studios Story, November 16th

The Smart Studios Story,” a documentary about Midwest indie rock that is the official film of Record Store Day, is coming to Vinyl Revival, 35-37 N. Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, on Wednesday, November 16th at 7:30 p.m. Director Wendy Schneider will attend the screening. Tickets are $10 and are available online at vinylrevivalrecords.com or at the door. This is a limited seating event so advance ticket purchase is recommended.

Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Garbage, L7, Death Cab For Cutie (among many others), have created music at Smart Studios, the legendary recording facility founded by Butch Vig and Steve Marker. Drawing on in-depth-interviews with musicians and producers, never-before-seen archival footage and a powerful soundtrack, “The Smart Studios Story” tells the story of the pivotal Midwest link to the global rise of Alternative Rock in the 1990’s and the unassuming Madison, Wisconsin recording studio at its center. The post-70’s explosion of independent music in America has many traceable roots, each with a compelling story. This is one of the most significant stories that has never been told until now.  Visit www.thesmartstudiosstory.com for more information.

Wages of Spin II Soundtrack Songs Available

About a month ago, I had the pleasure of attending the Philadelphia premiere of the documentary film, “Wages of Spin II,” by Shawn Swords, at Bryn Mawr Film Institute.  The film continues the payola story from “The Wages of Spin” but also chronicles the corruption in the music industry in the 80’s and uncovers some of the players involved. You won’t believe some of the people who are implicated!

In addition to the great buzz the film is receiving, the soundtrack has been getting positive feedback from the music industry too. There are lots of great Philly talent and friends of Vinyl Revival on the soundtrack so check out some of the songs in the links below.

“Never Be Forgiven” Performed by Effusion 35 Written by Randy S. Robbins and Pat Manley © 2014 Great Blasket Music, ASCAP/What is This Crap Music, ASCAP https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/borrowed-time-reluctant-rhymes/id867812991

Several songs by Mitch Schecter of The Rip Chords: www.homeroomrecords.com www.ripchords.com

“No Sad Song” is the new single from Skip Denenberg.  Composed and performed by Skip. Produced, engineered and mixed by George Manney at Geo Sound Studio in Philadelphia. Download here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/skipdenenberg2

Several songs by Dan Brown: http://www.reverbnation.com/danieljohnbrown

Several songs by Frank Caravella: https://soundcloud.com/frank-caravella

The instrumental version of “It’s a Gas That Makes You Laugh Before it Kills You” is available all over (iTunes Amazon etc.) or at www.johnbyrneband.com “It’s a Gas That Makes You Laugh Before it Kills You” – The John Byrne Band Written by John Byrne Various Verses BMI Character Driven Productions

I hope to screen this documentary at The Vault at Vinyl Revival in the fall but if you’d like to purchase the DVD now, it is available at www.characterdrivenfilms.com.  Here’s a trailer for a sneak peek.

 

 

 

 

 

The Orlon’s Stephen Caldwell & DJ Steve Kurtz to Make Appearance at March’s Double Feature

 The Orlons' Stephen Caldwell at Vinyl Revival on November 30, 2013

Me and The Orlons’ Stephen Caldwell November 30, 2013

March’s First Friday Flicks indie film screening series kicks off on Friday, March 7th at 7 p.m. with a musical double feature.  “Meet Me on South Street:  The Story of JC Dobbs” and Rufus Harley – Pipes of Peace, an intimate profile of the world’s first jazz bagpipe player, Philadelphia musician, Rufus Harley,  both by George Manney, will screen.

Special guests at the March 7th screening include Stephen Caldwell from The Orlons and DJ Steve Kurtz! Director George Manney is also scheduled to appear.

First Friday Flicks will also screen on Saturdays each month at 2 p.m.  Tickets are $8, $5 for students and seniors. Screening events are BYOB and snacks.

To purchase the $8  tickets for the Friday, March 7th show, click here.

DJ Steve Kurtz will host the March 7th  First Friday Film Screening.

DJ Steve Kurtz will host the March 7th First Friday Film Screening.

The FirstGlance Film Festival rolls into town September 20th through the 22nd at the Franklin Institute.

Who Shot Rock and Roll At FirstGlance Film Fest

Today is the start of the 16th annual FirstGlance Film Festival.  It runs through the weekend at the Franklin Theater at the Franklin Institute.  There’s a total of 38 projects screening with everything from feature length films to web series pilots to music videos.  I am looking forward to seeing the short documentary, Who Shot Rock and Roll:  The Film, about recording artists and the photographers who have captured them on film.

Check out all of the official selections, see the full schedule, watch trailers and buy tickets at http://firstglancefilms.com/.

Anything look especially good to you?