San Francisco’s Noise Pop festival, which takes over the city from February 22-27, will feature several rock documentaries as part of its 2011 lineup.
The multi-day indie rock confab will mark the U.S. premiere of “The Extraordinary Ordinary Life” of José González, a film about the life and mind of the world renowned singer-songwriter who’s one of Sweden’s most secretive musicians.
Also on tap: “Miroir Noir,” which chronicles the making of Arcade Fire’s lauded second album “Neon Bible” and subsequent tour, and was directed by acclaimed filmmaker Vincent Morisset, and “Look at What The Light Did Now,” which goes behind the scenes of Feist’s Grammy-nominated sophomore album, “The Reminder.” The latter will also include a Q&A and installation reception with San Francisco artist Simone Rubi, who designed all of The Reminder’s artwork, as well as live music by Feist collaborator Little Wing.
Bay area hero Devendra Banhart will also see screen time in “The Family Jams,” a documentary featuring his 2004 tour with Joanna Newsom and Vetiver. That screening will be followed by a Q&A with Kevin Barker and members of Vetiver.
Other docs on deck include “This Is Noise Pop,” directed by Adam Werbach, which looks at the genesis of indie rock through festival performances by the likes of Sebadoh, Stephen Malkmus, The National, Guided By Voices and The Shins; And “Pool Party,” directed by Beth Aala, which details the legend of Brooklyn’s McCarren Pool, where the Beastie Boys, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Sonic Youth, and The Hold Steady have performed. Both will feature post-screening Q&As.
More than a dozen S.F. venues will host the plethora of bands scheduled to perform at the fest, currently in its 19th year, including Kimya Dawson, Best Coast, Yo La Tengo and Death Cab For Cutie frontman Ben Gibbard. For badge and schedule info, check out the official Noise Pop site.