Doc’N Roll film festival makes its long-awaited return to Manchester this week, marking its fourth edition in our city.

With eight special screenings set to take place across HOME and Chapeltown Picture House, the week-long event marks a celebration of an eclectic mix of musical icons and fascinating stories.

Music doc fans in Manchester and beyond will also be able to book tickets for online screenings of 13 more feature-length films, running from 7-21 Nov, via Doc’n Roll TV.

Below, we’ve picked out a few of our personal highlights from this week’s premieres…

Dom Salvador and Abolition | Thu 4 Nov | HOME | 6.20pm

After leaving Brazil in the country’s dark days of military dictatorship, Dom Salvador called New York home.

Dubbed the godfather of Brazilian soul, with a sound described as a mix of James Brown and Samba, Salvador became a key figure in the creation of bossa nova and an icon of Black pride with his band Abolição (Abolition).

The film captures Salvador, now in his eighties, in the streets of his adopted city, memories emerging with each step. His humility and resilience is revealed in captivating moments, from performing at Carnegie Hall and the scenic River Cafe, to discovering his own vinyls at record shops and organising shows in jazz clubs.

The Rest is History - The Early Days of Drum & Bass | HOME | Sat 6 Nov | 6pm

Manchester’s affinity with Drum & Bass throughout the years has been well-documented, making this one a no-brainer.

From the days of illegal raves to the dark club sounds of Optical and Ed Rush, The Rest Is History is a look back at the early years of Jungle and Drum & Bass music, how it developed, and the culture that surrounded it.

With interviews from some of the genre’s biggest pioneers, including Micky Finn, Ray Keith, Dillinja, Ragga Twins, Paul Ibiza and G.Q, viewers get an intimate look into the creation of this beloved underground art form like never before.

2 Tony Wilson Pl, Manchester M15 4FN
A Symphony of Noise | Chapeltown Picture House | Wed 3 Nov | 8pm

Exploring the fascinating story of Matthew Herbert, the revolutionary British musician and composer, A Symphony of Noise delves into the unique mind of an artist known for combining real-life sounds with politically sensitive issues.

Herbert’s premise is that music has undergone a revolution. Instead of just using instruments, we can now use anything that makes a sound. The film captures creativity at its core, reimagining the way we embrace music.

50 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M4 4HF
A Manchester Wire Partnership post
Tue 2 Nov - Sun 7 Nov
www.docnrollfestival.com/locations/manchester
Words:
Bradley Lengden
Published on:
Mon 1 Nov 2021