American Harmony
American Harmony is a 2009 documentary film by Director/Producer Aengus James and Producer Colin Miller.
American Harmony was initially screened at the Barbershop Harmony Society’s 2008 International Convention in Nashville. The film is a tribute to the human musical spirit as practiced in the barbershop genre. It was in production for more than three years and was edited by Kate Amend, the editor of two Oscar-winning documentaries.
American Harmony was filmed by James and his camera crews during the Society’s 2005, 2006 and 2007 International conventions and is interspersed with footage and other graphic elements provided by the Barbershop Harmony Society.
Synopsis
American Harmony provides an in-depth look at the amazingly rich subculture of a true American art form. It follows the lives of some of the biggest names to emerge from international competition in the Society’s history, as well as providing interviews with many rank-and-file members, referred to as “Joe Barbershoppers.” The film features four prominent Barbershop Society quartets: OC Times, Max Q, Vocal Spectrum, and Reveille – over a span of years, on stage and at home, in their personal quests for international recognition.
“The film is a mixture of obsession, singing, zany comedy and nail-biting competition,” according to writer/director, Aengus James.
Screening
The film began its theatrical release in April, 2009. It is currently scheduled for a traditional theatrical release, followed by a four wall release in both traditional and non-traditional venues through the Spring of 2010. The DVD release will happen near the end of the four wall release schedule. There is a Google pin map showing the markets the film has already played, markets currently on the schedule, and markets still to be scheduled.
Critical reaction
See reviews below:
Festivals and awards
- Winner: Best Documentary at the 2009 San Diego Film Festival
- Winner of the 2009 Honolulu Film Festival Silver Lei Award.
- Nominated for the 2008 International Documentary Association Best Music Documentary Award.
- Official selection for the Nashville Film Festival - Apr 16-23, 2009.
- Official selection for the Boulder International Film Festival - Feb 12-15, 2009.
- Official selection and Second Place Audience Choice award for the Sedona International Film Festival - Feb 24 - Mar 1, 2009.
- Official selection for the Three Rivers Film Festival - Nov 6-21, 2009.