VH1's Emmy Awarding-Winning "VH1 Rock Docs" Franchise Joins SXSW Film Festival in March With the Premiere of Two New Documentaries, a Panel and Exclusive Sneak Peek Into the Rise and Fall of Napster With "Downloaded: The Digital Revolution"
"Marley" and "UPRISING: Hip Hop and The L.A. Riots" will Premiere at SXSW on March 11th and March 14th
Actor/Filmmaker Alex Winter and Napster Co-founders Shawn Fanning and Sean Parker Unveil Upcoming Documentary "Downloaded: The Digital Revolution" with Panel Discussion and Exclusive Clip
VH1's Emmy award-winning "Rock Docs" franchise will premiere two new documentaries during the SXSW Film Festival. Magnolia Pictures' "Marley," the first film to tell the definitive life story of revolutionary music icon Bob Marley, will be making its North American premiere at SXSW on March 11th at 5:30PM CT. In addition, "UPRISING: Hip Hop and The L.A. Riots," narrated and executive produced by rapper Snoop Dogg, is set to make its world premiere at SXSW on March 14th at 10PM CT. An exclusive preview of VH1's upcoming documentary "Downloaded: The Digital Revolution," the story of the rise and fall of Napster, will also be seen at the SXSW Film Festival followed by a rare panel discussion with creators Shawn Fanning and Sean Parker on March 14th at 2PM CT.
"Marley," a documentary about legendary musician Bob Marley will premiere on March 11th at 5:30PM CT at SXSW. Made with the unprecedented support of the Marley family, "Marley" is the first film to tell the definitive life story of the musician, revolutionary, and legend, from his earliest days to his rise to international superstardom. Along with an incredible soundtrack, the film features rare footage, archival photos, and incredible performances and interviews with his family, friends, and bandmates - the people that knew him best. "Marley" is directed by Academy Award-winner Kevin Macdonald and produced by Steve Bing and Charles Steel, and executive produced by Bob's son Ziggy Marley and Island Records founder Chris Blackwell. "Marley" will be opening in select theaters and can be found on VOD (video on demand) on April 20th.
"UPRISING: Hip Hop and the LA Riots," will make its debut at SXSW. The documentary is told from the diverse perspective of the rappers, musicians, police officers and victims who lived through the landmark LA Riots in April, 1992. With definitive accounts of the four fiery days that left 53 people dead, over 12,000 arrested and put a searing spotlight on race relations and American pop culture, viewers will also hear never-before-heard stories from well known figures and hip hop artists who were effected by or actual participants in the riots, including: Rodney King, Arsenio Hall, John Singleton, Too Short, KRS-One, Nas, Sir Jinx, DJ Yella, and others. The documentary will examine the relationship between the violence manifested on the streets and the rage expressed in hip-hop music. Narrated and executive produced by acclaimed rapper Snoop Dogg and directed by Mark Ford for Creatures Film, the documentary will premiere at the SXSW Film Festival on Wednesday, March 14th at 10PM CT.
The sneak peek of "Downloaded: The Digital Revolution" will focus on the advent of digital media sharing, including the rise of game changing company Napster and controversial pioneers Shawn Fanning and Sean Parker. The digital revolution ultimately created a technology paradigm shift, upended big business and musical artists and changed the world. The preview will be followed by a high-profile panel moderated by "Downloaded: The Digital Revolution" director Alex Winter and will feature Napster masterminds Shawn Fanning and Sean Parker. 'Downloaded: The SXSW Interview' will take place on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 2PM CT at the Austin Convention Center. "Downloaded: The Digital Revolution" is directed and executive produced by Alex Winter and executive produced by Warren Cohen and Maggie Malina.
VH1's Emmy Award winning Rock Docs are feature-length documentaries that tell unique stories of artists and music from a wide range of genres, styles and musical perspectives. Overseeing for VH1 are Brad Abramson, Shelly Tatro and Jeff Olde. "UPRISING: Hip Hop and the LA Riots" is produced by Mark Ford for Creative Films and executive produced by Stephen Mintz for VH1. "Downloaded: The Digital Revolution" is directed by Alex Winter and executive produced by Warren Cohen and Maggie Malina.
