Becky Arreaga expressed her excitement when the director of Sound Unseen in Minneapolis invited her to independently manage the festival in Austin this year. This annual event, which celebrates the synergy between film and music, will be organized solely by locals for the first time.
Sound Unseen was established in Minneapolis in 1999 and made its way to Austin three years later. Arreaga recognized that Austin, a city known for its vibrant music and film scenes, was a perfect fit for the festival. “We’re a music town and we’re a film town,” she remarked. “How many cities across the country can boast those two claims to fame?”
After several years of assisting in the festival’s production, Arreaga is taking the reins with a dedicated team of volunteers. The festival’s founder, Jim Brunzell, decided to step back, allowing Arreaga to take full control. “He told us, ‘You guys run your own schedule, handle your own submissions and invite the films you want. It’s all yours,’” she recalled. “This was literally a dream come true for me.”
The four-day festival, kicking off on Thursday at AFS Cinema, will feature a variety of films, including feature-length works, documentaries, and videos that reflect the essence of the music scene. Audience engagement will be encouraged through filmmaker Q&As, industry meetups, and live music performances.
“I love bringing these two communities together in one venue and seeing what unfolds,” Arreaga stated.
This year’s festival has a distinctly grassroots approach, with Arreaga and her volunteer team meticulously reviewing over 200 submissions. After much deliberation, they selected seven feature films and six short films for presentation.
Among the filmmakers featured is Lauren Yap, who directed a short documentary titled America’s Entertainment Nightmare, focusing on Meat Joy, an Austin punk band from the 1980s. This film marks Yap’s debut in a film festival context. “That means a lot to me. This will also be the film’s public premiere, so I’m thrilled to showcase it locally at AFS for an audience that shares a passion for music and film,” Yap noted.
Yap connected with Meat Joy a few years ago during the OUTsider Festival, where the band had reunited for a couple of shows, seeking a filmmaker to document their story. “The documentary captures their genuine and radical spirit,” they explained. “It features a few narratives that encapsulate the band’s energy, which is very cooperative and grassroots.”
Yap believes the film aligns perfectly with the ethos of Sound Unseen, emphasizing a DIY approach. “It is all fully locally run and driven by filmmakers and music lovers who share this passion,” they added.
A Texas Touch
Arreaga indicated that this year’s Sound Unseen will carry a unique Texas flavor. The opening night on Thursday will present a 20th-anniversary screening of Shut Up and Sing, a documentary chronicling the backlash faced by The Chicks after lead singer Natalie Maines publicly criticized President Bush regarding the Iraq War. Arreaga highlighted the film’s relevance in today’s political landscape, examining the changes that have occurred since its release.
The screening will be followed by a Q&A session featuring Academy Award-winning director Barbara Kopple and co-director Cecilia Peck, moderated by former KUT General Manager Debbie Hiott.
Also on the schedule is a documentary about the Austin punk band Big Boys, alongside music videos from local artists Tele Novella and Mama Duke. Arreaga expressed her eagerness for these artists to witness their work on the big screen. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see their excitement when watching their music video on a giant screen, compared to viewing it on their phone,” she said.
Additionally, a film about Grammy-winning artist Sara Bareilles, titled Good Grief, will be screened, featuring the director Josh Alexander in attendance. Arreaga emphasized that the festival offers something for everyone, covering various decades and genres, including early rock and roll icon Eddie Cochran, known for the classic “Summertime Blues.”
<p“I truly wish everyone in Austin could experience each of these remarkable films,” she expressed. “They are all exceptional.”
Sound Unseen runs from August 6-9 at AFS Cinema. Tickets are available for purchase.
