What's Happening?
Norwegian director Mona Fastvold is co-producing a new 70mm concert film documenting David Byrne's 'Who Is The Sky?' tour. The film, directed by Brady Corbet, known for 'The Brutalist,' was shot over multiple nights in Byrne's hometown of Baltimore using
8-perf and 15-perf 70mm cinematography. This project follows Byrne's history of acclaimed concert films, including Jonathan Demme's 'Stop Making Sense' and Spike Lee's 'American Utopia.' The 'Who Is The Sky?' tour, which began in September of the previous year and concludes on September 19th in Queens, New York, features 13 musicians, singers, and dancers in constant choreographed motion, blending visual art, storytelling, and music. The film is being produced by The Deep End Films and Pre-Code, Corbet’s company, with Mona Fastvold also listed as a producer, and is presented by River Road Entertainment. Global distribution rights are currently being negotiated.
Why It's Important?
This project is significant for the entertainment industry as it continues the tradition of high-quality concert films for influential artists like David Byrne, potentially setting a new standard for the genre with its use of 70mm film. The involvement of acclaimed directors like Brady Corbet and producer Mona Fastvold underscores a commitment to cinematic artistry in capturing live performances. For fans of David Byrne, it offers a unique and immersive experience of his 'Who Is The Sky?' tour, which has been lauded for its innovative blend of music, dance, and visual elements. The film's large-format cinematography aims to capture the expansive visual scope of the show, providing an unparalleled viewing experience that could attract a broad audience beyond typical concert film enthusiasts. This endeavor also highlights the ongoing evolution of concert films as a distinct and respected cinematic form, moving beyond simple documentation to artistic interpretation.
What's Next?
The film is currently in post-production, with no immediate details available regarding its distribution or release. Discussions are underway for global distribution rights, handled by Byrne's film agents at The Gersh Agency and The Deep End. The producers will likely seek theatrical distribution, potentially emphasizing 70mm engagements to leverage the film's unique visual quality. The success of previous Byrne concert films suggests a strong market for this new project, and its release will be anticipated by both music and film enthusiasts. The tour itself is concluding, making the film the primary way for audiences to experience the 'Who Is The Sky?' performance in its full artistic vision. Further announcements regarding release dates and platforms are expected as post-production progresses and distribution deals are finalized.
Beyond the Headlines
The decision to shoot David Byrne's 'Who Is The Sky?' tour in 70mm film, with Mona Fastvold as a producer, reflects a broader trend in the entertainment industry towards elevating concert films to a more prestigious cinematic art form. This approach moves beyond standard digital recordings, emphasizing the aesthetic and immersive qualities of large-format film. It suggests a recognition of the artistic merit of live performances and a desire to preserve them with the highest possible fidelity. The collaboration between a visionary artist like Byrne and acclaimed filmmakers like Corbet and Fastvold highlights the interdisciplinary nature of contemporary art, where music, dance, and cinema converge. This film could influence future concert productions, encouraging artists and filmmakers to explore more ambitious and visually stunning ways to capture live events, thereby enriching the cultural landscape and offering audiences a more profound and lasting experience of performance art.
