DocLands Film Festival 2021 presents a conversation with 'Spark Brothers' Director Edgar Wright and Film Subjects Ron and Russell Mael with CFI Executive Staff Member Maureen Galliani.

The brothers Sparks (Russell and Ron Mael) have been making music for over five decades, yet their band Sparks remains unknown to many. Director Edgar Wright ('Shaun of the Dead', 'Baby Driver') gives us an exhilarating and incisive look—one of the highlights of this year’s Sundance—at this insanely creative duo. Sparks have a devoted cult following, having influenced everyone from Paul McCartney to Depeche Mode—not to mention The Smiths, Nirvana, Franz Ferdinand, and Björk. The band’s mantra of never remaining stagnant has influenced their ever-evolving musical style that has ranged from glam rock, power pop, synth pop, to techno and more. They’ve recorded 25 studio albums in over 50 years with producing luminaries like Todd Rundgren and Tony Visconti. Wright incorporates archival footage, animated sequences, and interviews with musicians, actors, and cohorts alike (including Mike Myers, Flea, and Patton Oswalt) to put a spotlight on “your favorite band’s favorite band.”

About DOCLANDS
Presented by the California Film Institute, DocLands Documentary Film Festival brings compelling stories and the provocative insights behind them to Marin County, California May 7-16, 2021. Expanding upon the exchange of ideas and inspiration through public screenings, engaged conversations and grassroots networking events, DocLands aims to build an active, involved, fully supportive community around documentary film, dedicated to initiating connections and partnerships that will illuminate and invigorate the business and art of non-fiction filmmakers.

DOCLANDS Sections
Art of Impact engages and sparks action by sharing stories that open our eyes to the global community and its disparate cultures, politics, personal narratives, and biographies.

The Great Outdoors transports us outside to truly appreciate, explore, and ultimately compel us to save and conserve our environment and the wilds of our precious and precarious planet.

WonderLands lifts our spirits through stories of joy, wonder, and possibility.

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