‘Country: Portraits of an American Sound’ to Make World Premiere at NaFF

The documentary Country: Portraits of an American Sound will have its world premiere at the Nashville Film Festival (NaFF) on Wednesday, April 22 at 8:30 p.m at the Regal Green Hills 16. A second screening will take place at the theater the following day (Thursday, April 23 at 5:00 p.m.).

The full-length feature film is based on the short film that was a central component of the Country: Portraits of an American Sound exhibition at the Annenberg Photography Space in Los Angeles which attracted nearly 30,000 visitors in 2014.

Produced and directed by Steven Kochones, Country: Portraits of an American Sound explores country music through the lens of photographers who have documented its rise from innocent beginnings to a thriving industry and to a national identity. From the Carter Family to The Band Perry, the film spans over 80 years of county music history.

The film features the work of photographers Les Leverett, Leigh Weiner, Henry Horenstein, Henry Diltz, Raeanne Rubenstein, David McClister and Michael Wilson. The work will also include interviews with exhibit curators, clothier Manuel, and country artists such as Lyle Lovett, Keith Urban, Rosanne Cash, Charley Pride, Roy Clark, Larry Gatlin, Marty Stuart, Brenda Lee, Terri Clark, Holly Williams, Ronnie Milsap, Lorrie Morgan and Kenny Rogers.

“I’m so pleased that our first feature film focuses on some of the best photographers ever to chronicle the genre,” said Wallis Annenberg, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of the Annenberg Foundation. “Their work has all of the mood, and attitude, and emotional complexity of the greatest country songs. But this movie has allowed us to go far beyond the images themselves, to celebrate the photographers who have helped elevate country, and to tell the stories behind their iconic shots. I couldn’t be prouder of the film, and I’m delighted by its inclusion in this year’s NaFF.”

“We began filming in Music City 18 months ago, and I am excited to return for the world premiere,” said Kochones.

The signature project will additionally be featured in the Gibson Music Films/Music City Feature Competition.

NaFF tickets are currently available to members. Additional music-focused films for the NaFF can be viewed here.