#HIFF33 Music Films with Jessica Berndt, Secretly Group
Heartland Film is a nonprofit arts organization that runs the 11-day Heartland International Film Festival in October, the Academy Award®-Qualifying Indy Shorts International Film Festival in July, and other year-round programs. Based in Indianapolis, Heartland Film was founded in 1991 with the mission to curate, promote and celebrate thoughtful and engaging films from diverse perspectives. MovieMaker Magazine named both festivals on the top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World list for 2023. The 33rd Heartland International Film Festival takes place this October.
Jessica Berndt is an Indianapolis-based Music Supervisor for TV & Film at Secretly Group, which is an independent record label group consisting of labels: Dead Oceans, Jagjaguwar, Secretly Canadian, Saddest Factory Records, as well as music publisher Secretly Publishing. As a music supervisor, she works with production teams to creatively source music and complete clearance work with copyright holders for all source music included.
Jessica gives her thoughts on some of the music focused films you can watch during the Heartland International Film Festival from October 10-20, 2024. This year, attendees are encouraged to “Expand Your Universe” with 120+ stellar films from across the galaxy. Screenings are held at Emagine Noblesville, Kan-Kan Cinema and Restaurant, Landmark Glendale 12, Living Room Theaters and Newfields. Individual tickets and Fest Passes are available at HeartlandFilmFestival.org.
Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted
Legendary musician Swamp Dogg, alongside housemates Moogstar and Guitar Shorty, has transformed his home into an artistic playground. Together, they navigate the tumultuous music industry and forge a unique and inspiring path across time and space.
JB: Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted was an extremely music-heavy project, as we wanted to include a wide variety of songs spanning Swamp’s decades-long career. I am so excited for audiences to learn more about his life and music.
Los Frikis
Los Frikis is a coming-of-age story set in early 90’s Cuba, following a group of punk rockers who move to a rural sanitarium to escape the oppression of the Special Period.
JB: This looks to be a riveting picture of how punk rock was used to escape the economic crisis in 1990s Cuba. I’m excited to watch these talented actors transform into musicians for the on-screen performances.
Resynator
When Alison unearths the revolutionary synthesizer her late father invented in the 70s, she not only revives his mission to share it with the world with the help of musicians (Grace Potter, Peter Gabriel, Fred Armisen and more), she unexpectedly forges a deep bond with the father she never knew.
JB: Tying in the history of a musical instrument with the complex history of the maker is sure to be a winning combination.
The Opener
After a struggling street musician goes viral playing songs from his bedroom, he’s invited on tour by one of his heroes, Grammy-winner Jason Mraz, and given the chance to prove himself on the big stage.
JB: Getting to open for your favorite artist is the ultimate dream for any up-and-coming musician. I cannot wait to watch Philip’s dream come true.
Diane Warren: Relentless
In this intimate documentary audiences get a rarely seen glimpse into Diane Warren’s life and underdog career journey to where she is today. The film delves into her most remarkable collaborations with first-hand commentary from Cher, Jennifer Hudson and more to showcase the creative genius that is Diane Warren.
JB: Like Swamp, Diane has been making brilliant music for decades. Getting an intimate look at her process of writing hits will certainly be a treat.
The World According to Allee Willis
Allee Willis, best known for writing the “Friends” theme song, Earth Wind & Fire’s “September” and “The Color Purple” musical, began filming her life in 1950s Detroit and never stopped. Struggling against gender and sexual norms, she pursued creative expression at all costs.
JB: A subject who has recorded her whole life is the holy grail for any doc filmmaker. I am eager to learn Allee’s story!
Grab your own tickets to in-person #HIFF33 screenings using the promo code INDYHUBHIFF33 for 50% off. Excludes premium events and virtual films.
