CENTERPIECE FILM

How can one rock band be successful, underrated, hugely influential and criminally overlooked all at the same time? A band that has been in the background of almost every art form across the last 50 years, Sparks is your favorite band’s favorite band, and soon to be yours too. Growing up in the ’60s, Los Angeles brothers Ron and Russell Mael thrived on a heavy diet of popcorn matinees and pop music until the spotlight of school talent shows launched them on a musical journey that has so far spawned 25 studio albums, along with adulation from artists across the musical spectrum. In his documentary debut, acclaimed filmmaker Edgar Wright (beloved for his films Baby Driver, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, and Shaun of the Dead) brings five decades of invention to life through nutty animations and interviews with a who’s who of cool, and by digging deeply into the band’s rich, career-spanning archive. With tongue planted firmly in cheek, this charming love letter to innovation, music and two rebel artists takes us on a mood-elevating musical odyssey guaranteed to delight the faithful and create a whole new fanbase for this uniquely talented duo. - HotDocs

Co-presented by New Wave City

This film plays live at the Roxie Theater June 13, 630p: https://www.roxie.com/ai1ec_event/sf-docfest-2021