Portland Reel Music Festival

Bill Foster talks music, film, and culture

by Miranda Carvalho

Neil Young Trunk Show

Director Jonathan Demme delves into the guarded world of Neil Young with rarely performed pieces such as “Harvest,” in Neil Young Trunk Show. This was one of the many highlights of the Portland Reel Music Festival.

The festival is a month long showcase from January to February that celebrates sound, image, music and culture. The festival features a behind the scenes glimpse of artists such as; Sufjan Stevens, David Byrne, Bob Marley, and Miles Davis to name a few. Perhaps what makes this festival so unique is the wide range of subject matters covered and how these films offer new insights to some of the most transcendental music figures of our time. If you’ve ever had an interest in learning a little more about the history of the ukulele, the birth of Cool according to Miles Davis, Phil Spector’s inner demons, a Brazilian music experience outside Brazil, or Stevie Ray Vaughan’s heir apparent, then this festival has a little something to offer.

The BQE Brooklyn Queens Expressway

Bill Foster, the director of the Northwest Film Center has been an organizer of the Reel Music Festival since its inception 27 years ago. He has also coordinated the Portland International Film Festival and the Northwest Film & Video Festival among others. Foster spoke candidly about the history and emphasis of this engaging work.

What was the inspiration for the very first Reel Music Festival?

Just the fact that sound and image, music and culture have this rich relationship. It was a way to showcase films that explored the intersection and create an event where people could see them in context.

Do you find that it is harder to find films for a music festival than a more all inclusive festival, like an international film festival?

No, Reel Music provides a better context for films and audience to find each other. Most music films that are experimental and documentary features tend to get pushed to the margins in larger, more eclectic festivals.

Music plays a big part in just about all films. What is different about the films that get into the Reel Music Festival?

They get in usually because the subject of the film is music, or the focus is on the music itself.

Have you had any films premier or have one of its first screenings at your festival and then go on to later become a big hit?

That is not the point. Don’t keep track of it that way. I don’t think it matters…it is not about bragging rights.

What have been some of the more interesting live performances at the festival throughout the years?

Alloy Orchestra, Yo Lo Tengo, and Black Cat Orchestra.

What are some of the goals for the festival in the future?

To keep on keeping on. To encourage filmmakers to make interesting films that celebrates music and musicians, and connects them to our culture. A prime goal is to expand audiences to younger viewers by developing a closer connection with school music programs.