Miss Sharon Jones!
Academy Award-winning documentary maker Barbara Kopple delivers definitive proof, from show-stopping testimony in a small South Carolina church to Manhattan’s Beacon Theatre, that nobody raises the roof like Sharon Jones.

“The narrative arc of the film is the diminutive (‘four foot 11 and a quarter’) singer’s more than year-long battle with cancer – and her return to performing. But by lavishing huge helpings of Jones’ music and explosive performances on what is a very intimate portrait, the two-time Oscar-winning [Barbara] Kopple keeps the doco from ever becoming maudlin, or predictable, or from even slowing down.” — John Anderson, Indiewire

Eat That Question: Frank Zappa in His Own Words
Director Thorsten Schütte’s doco splices together performance and interview footage of the ever-articulate rock star (and talk-show guest) Frank Zappa to recount the story of his defiantly non-conformist musical journey.

“A compelling gateway documentary that should absorb both fans and novices alike.” — Leslie Felperin, Hollywood Reporter

Argentina
Carlos Saura, the Spanish director of such classics as Flamenco, Tango and Blood Wedding,mounts a dazzling showcase for the leading contemporary performers of traditional Argentinian music and dance.

“Lyrical and moving, Argentina is also a glorious reminder that every film should be a passion project.” — Vancouver International Film Festival

The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble
On a quest to uncover Leonard Bernstein’s ‘universal language of music’, renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma travels the old ‘Silk Road’ with virtuoso musicians from diverse instrumental traditions to collaborate on rousing new musical explorations.

“The intersection of cultures is where new things emerge.” — Yo-Yo Ma

Wide Open Sky
In this charming documentary from Lisa Nicol, gifted teacher and musician Michelle Leonard travels to under-resourced outback NSW, auditioning children then schooling the chosen 130 to perform in the annual Moorambilla Voices choir.

“This down-to-earth crowd pleaser is a terrific antidote to the razzle-dazzle hype of TV talent shows.” — Richard Kuipers, Variety

The full NZIFF programme will be available from Tuesday 21 June for Auckland, and Friday 24 June for Wellington with further centres to follow.