Robert Randolph by John Croxton |
NEW YORK, NY, May 9, 2005 – The feature documentary film PRESS ON, from award-winning director Gillian Grisman, will have its west coast premiere at the San Francisco Black Film Festival on Saturday, June 11th, 2005 at 8:00 pm at the Eureka Theater. Grisman will be in attendance and available for Q & A immediately following the screening. PRESS ON is presented by Confidential Partners Inc., 11th Hour Productions and produced by Gillian Grisman, Alicia Sams and Executive Produced by Keith Wortman. PRESS ON premiered recently at the prestigious SXSW Film Festival and Full Frame Film Festival, and will be screening at select film festivals throughout the summer and fall.
"Falling into Robert Randolph's world and the sacred steel tradition he was raised in was both an inspiring and life changing experience," says Grisman. "I feel like I am helping to uncover the story behind one of America's greatest hidden musical treasures." Grisman continues, "I'm thrilled to be part of the San Francisco Black Film Festival and returning to my home town- where music and culture are truly celebrated and appreciated."
PRESS ON is the up-close and personal story of Warner Bros. recording artist Robert Randolph and the spiritual tradition he was raised in. This feature documentary follows the 25 year-old pedal steel phenomenon through the first monumental stages of his career, from his major label recording debut to his electric performance at the 2004 Grammy as a multiple-nominee. PRESS ON also takes us on a compelling journey in time as it traces the evolution of the "sacred steel" music from its origins. Through the eyes of Robert Randolph, we are introduced to the mentors and virtuosos whose work ranges brilliantly over the whole spectrum of American music, from lilting spirituals, gospel to blues, country, rock and jazz.
The House of God is a tight network of approximately 200 small churches located mostly in the Southeast. In most American churches, the choir and the organ are central pillars of musical worship. In the House of God, it's the pedal steel guitar. In addition to belting out driving "praise" or "shout" music, the steel guitarist provides dramatic emphasis for sermons and testimonies, accompanies singers and aids in healing.
Filmmaker Gillian Grisman produced and directed GRATEFUL DAWG - an award-winning documentary distributed by Sony Pictures Classics about the musical friendship between her father, David Grisman, and the late Jerry Garcia. Her unique upbringing exposed her to a wealth of great music and artists and instilled the keen sensibilities and experience to document them. Producer Alicia Sams first worked with Grisman on GRATEFUL DAWG and the two then collaborated on the critically-acclaimed series KEEPING TIME, a documentary series about innovators in American Roots music for the Sundance Channel which aired in 2003. Grisman also co-produced LIVE AT BONNAROO, a concert/documentary DVD and is currently in production on another documentary about multi-platinum singer/songwriter, Rob Thomas and his solo debut album – which recently debuted at #1, making Billboard history.
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