Created for film lovers, built for music fans, and bringing together the best of both worlds, Sound Unseen Austin Film and Music Festival is returning to AFS Cinema next weekend with a lineup celebrating the powerful connection between music and storytelling.
Becky Arreaga, Sound Unseen Austin Festival Director, joined Sierra Waggoner on We Are Austin to share why this festival has become a must-see event for anyone who loves music, movies, and discovering the stories behind the artists who shape culture.
Becky Arreaga, Sound Unseen Austin Festival Director, joined Sierra Waggoner on We Are Austin to share why this festival has become a must-see event for anyone who loves music, movies, and discovering the stories behind the artists who shape culture.
Sound Unseen began 26 years ago as an iconic festival in Minneapolis before expanding to Austin six years ago. Since then, the festival has continued to grow in a city known worldwide for its music scene.
“So the Sound Unseen is basically the film festival for music fans,” Arreaga said. “If you love music, this is your festival. You don’t have to be a film aficionado. You just gotta love music.”
“This year’s lineup has something really for everyone,” Arreaga said. “Every generation.”
With Austin being the Live Music Capital of the World and a growing hub for filmmakers, Arreaga says the city was the perfect place for Sound Unseen to thrive.
“This year’s lineup has something really for everyone,” Arreaga said. “Every generation.”
Celebrating Music Legends And Austin Stories
This year’s festival kicks off with a special anniversary screening of The Chicks: Shut Up & Sing, celebrating its 20th anniversary. The screening will feature Academy Award winning director Barbara Kopple and Cecilia Peck joining the festival for the celebration.
The festival lineup also highlights stories from a variety of musical eras, including films about legendary artists, Austin’s own music history, and the communities that helped shape different genres.
Arreaga says the documentary holds a special place in her own life as a music fan.
“This was my very first music documentary that I saw 20 years ago,” she said. “This film left such an impact on me.”
This year’s festival kicks off with a special anniversary screening of The Chicks: Shut Up & Sing, celebrating its 20th anniversary. The screening will feature Academy Award winning director Barbara Kopple and Cecilia Peck joining the festival for the celebration.
The festival lineup also highlights stories from a variety of musical eras, including films about legendary artists, Austin’s own music history, and the communities that helped shape different genres.
Featured films include stories about Eddie Cochran, Austin’s influential punk scene, and Sarah Bareilles’ new film Good Grief, which recently screened at Tribeca.
Supporting Local Filmmakers And Music Creators
The festival’s shorts program gives local filmmakers and music video creators the opportunity to see their work celebrated on the big screen.
Arreaga says Sound Unseen is proud to showcase Austin talent while giving audiences a new way to experience music videos and short films.
“We also get to preview music videos,” Arreaga said. “To be able to see it on a giant big screen with a thrilled and enthused audience, I mean, that’s when I get chills.”
This year’s shorts lineup includes three Austin filmmakers, highlighting the city’s growing creative community.
Where Music And Film Meet
For Arreaga, the magic of Sound Unseen comes from bringing two major parts of Austin’s identity together.
“We are a music town and we’re a film town,” she said. “Our festival gets to bring them both in the room, make connections, build community. It’s pretty magical.”
“We are a music town and we’re a film town,” she said. “Our festival gets to bring them both in the room, make connections, build community. It’s pretty magical.”
The festival is designed for everyone, whether they are longtime film lovers, dedicated music fans, or simply looking for a new experience.
“It is for anyone who loves music, who loves going to have that experience of being in community and enjoying something,” Arreaga said.
Sound Unseen Austin Film and Music Festival runs next weekend at AFS Cinema. For tickets, schedules, and more information, visit SoundUnseenAustin.com.
Sound Unseen Austin Film and Music Festival runs next weekend at AFS Cinema. For tickets, schedules, and more information, visit SoundUnseenAustin.com.