The 2020 festival season is getting ready to hit the east coast. The 2020 Tribeca Film Festival will open with the world premiere of the documentary, Jimmy Carter Rock & Roll President.
The film, directed by Mary Wharton,
illustrates the role of popular music and Carter’s passion for it in helping propel the Georgia peanut farmer to the White House. The doc was written by Bill Flanagan and produced by Chris Farrell.
The world premiere event for the documentary is set to take place on April 15,,at the Beacon Theatre and be followed by live performances from Willie Nelson.
The doc combines interviews with Carter and archival footage of performances from Nelson, Aretha Franklin, Jimmy Buffett and Paul Simon. In the film, Wharton traces how Carter’s approachability and the unifying power of music became key to his political appeal and allowed him to connect with voters.
Wharton’s credits include documentaries on Sam Cooke, Joan Baez, Phish and Farrah Fawcett, winning the 2004 Grammy for best music film for Sam Cooke: Legend. Carter stated on the addition of the film to the festival,
“The film accurately captures my love for all music and the importance music has played in my personal and professional life. I remain hopeful and believe that music can serve to bring us together as a nation,”
“Rosalynn and I are pleased with the fine film Mary and Chris have made and thank all those involved for telling this story. We are thrilled that it will debut at the Tribeca Film Festival.”
Tribeca co-founder and CEO Jane Rosenthal added,
“We witness the power of art inspiring change and the positive impact of citizens raising their voices against injustice everyday. As filmmakers, we were inspired to create the Tribeca Film Festival after 9/11 because we believe in the power of art to restore community and inspire change. Mary and Chris’ film, likewise, is a testament to that power.”
