Paul Simon documentary earns prize at SXSW
At this weekend's South by Southwest event in Austin, Texas, Joe Berlinger's documentary on American musician Paul Simon's return to South Africa 25 years after the recording of Graceland won the SXSW Audience Award 24 Beats Per Second Program -- the only music film to win an Audience Award in film this year.
The film, Under African Skies, chronicles Simon's return to South Africa two and a half decades after visiting the country to work with local musicians.
Next up for the film is a stop at the Dallas Film Festival, which runs April 12-22, and then the London Sundance Festival April 26-29. On July 15, Simon is set to return to London to play a gig with Ladysmith Black Mambazo and other musicians from the Graceland session as part of the Hard Rock Calling festival.
Under African Skies was by far the highest profile entry in this year's 24 Beats program -- which showcases the sounds, culture, and influence of music and musicians -- marking a contrast to 2011, when the relatively unknown Ron Sexsmith music documentary Love Shines won the competition.
The final SXSW award, in the Headliners category, will be handed out Monday, March 19. Among the music films in that category are Marley and Big Easy Express.
Watch a trailer for Under African Skies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=jw6eTs8mw70
