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New Orleans, Louisiana (October 13, 2014) - British-born director and producer Jon Brewer crosses the pond to present two films at this week's New Orleans Film Festival. Both of his documentaries take viewers on a musical journey through time with some of the music industry's most legendary voices. Brewer is the only filmmaker to present two documentaries at the 2014 New Orleans Film Festival. The works to be screened this week during at the festival are B.B. King: Life of Riley and Nat King Cole: Afraid of the Dark. The films are biographies of two of the most captivating stories in American music. Each film imparts a special connection to the Crescent City. B.B. King and Nat King Cole both performed here and each artist was tangibly influenced by the musical culture that drives this creatively rich city.
B.B. King: Life of Riley was released in 2012 and chronicles the story of an orphaned young man from humble beginnings who came to affect great influence on the music industry thus earning the respect and admiration of the countless artists that followed in his path. Academy Award-winner Morgan Freeman narrates Brewer's sensitive and moving film. Music greats Bono, Eric Clapton, and New Orleans' own Dr. John are among several marquee-worthy contributors that compel the viewer forward in exploration of this artist. Brewer utilizes his extensive knowledge as a former music manager to design a compelling narrative of the living legend that is B.B. King.
Brewer's second film offers viewers exclusive access to the archives held by the estate of Nat King Cole. Nat King Cole: Afraid of the Dark is a candid account of a Cole's life of fame and fortune as told by those closest to the artist. His widow Maria Cole, Tony Bennett, Buddy Greco, and Harry Belafonte each share memories and accounts that personalize the man that lies behind the legend. While many associate Nat King Cole with the Big-Band sound of the Hollywood era, Cole's musical style is actually rooted in New Orleans. The dissemination and development of Cole's music imprinted on Jazz, the Blues, and the Big Band sounds that evolved into revered American art forms.
Documentarian Jon Brewer has built a highly successful career around telling the stories of some of the world's most famous Rock legends including David Bowie and members of The Rolling Stones. His two most recent works to be presented here this week are evidence that Brewer has hit his stride as a filmmaker. In B.B. King: Life of Riley and Nat King Cole: Afraid of the Dark, Brewer weaves together two compelling and relevant narratives that showcase the human experience as chronicled through some of the world's greatest musicians. Nat King Cole: Afraid of the Dark will be shown on Monday, October 20th at 5:30 PM at the Prytania Theatre. B.B. King: Life of Riley will be shown on Wednesday, October 22nd at 3:30 PM also at the Prytania Theatre.
About Jon Brewer
A long-time veteran of the music and media industry, Jon Brewer has amassed over 40 years of professional experience in his field. Brewer began his career in music management where he worked with the likes of Mick Taylor of The Rolling Stones, Alvin Lee, and David Bowie along with several other well known Rock and Roll artists. In the early 1980s, Brewer transitioned into publishing and home video distribution. During this phase of his professional life Brewer produced several studio motion pictures that lead him down the path to a career in filmmaking. Jon Brewer has two documentary films that are not to be missed in this year's New Orleans Film Festival.
About New Orleans Film Society
The New Orleans Film Society (NOFS) was founded in 1989. 2014 marks the 25th anniversary of the New Orleans Film Festival, which has grown into a major showcase of local, regional, national, and international films. In addition to the annual Film Festival each fall, the NOFS hosts special events throughout the year: the French Film Festival, filmOrama, Moonlight Movies, the New Orleans International Children's Film Festival, and other events designed to benefit local film audiences, artists, and professionals. The NOFS also partners with local organizations to present monthly film series at the Contemporary Arts Center, Chalmette Movies, and the New Orleans Museum of Art, to name a few. Throughout the year, the NOFSreaches approximately 32,000+ people through its programming.