CPH:DOX, Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival, first started in 2003 and has since become the single largest documentary film festival in Scandinavia. So, with big excitement Team Poule received an invitation to attend this year’s festival starting tomorrow, November 7th to 17th. And what better way to spend rainy days in November than watching movies? More than 200 films will be screened over the course of 11 days and naturally it’s the music-related films that tickle the Poule’s plumage most.
Now, obviously we don’t know two things about making films but we do know when we have a good time watching one. And the line-up really is amazing and very diverse this year: from Snoop Dogg becoming Snoop Lion and Angolan Death Metal bands over Napster’s rise and fall to Serbian brass band culture.
From Louise Hopper comes a great documentary Attenborough and Björk: The Nature of Music about the BBC’s iconic broadcaster and naturalist meeting with Björk. Over the course of 47 minutes they discuss where and how music, technology and nature intersect, about the structural, mathematical beauty connecting musical harmonies, mineral crystals and oceanic waves. Say what you want about Björk’s music but her approach to Biophilia really is astonishing. It’a a great experience watching the two exchanging their views.
Another great film is Good Ol’ Freda by Ryan White about Freda Kelly who was the Beatles secretary for 11 years, throughout their whole career. For the first time she tells her side of the story, how she became secretary only 17 years old, along with great memories and gives a new perspective on arguably the most influential band of the last century.
If you happen to be in Copenhagen, go and see a couple of these great documentaries. And this is just the music section – there are loads more.
