CIFF unveils first wave of 2016 films, all with a musical theme

The Calgary International Film Festival unveiled a first wave of music-themedfilms Wednesdaythat will be included in its2016 lineup this fall.

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The17thannualCIFFruns Sept. 21 to Oct. 2. and will include aspecial screening at the new National Music Centre of The American Epic Sessions, a documentary"about the machine that revolutionized modern sound recording."

Check outa synopsis of that film,and half a dozen others announced Wednesday, below.

The American Epic Sessions

The music industry changed forever in 1925 whenAmerican record labels began using the brand-new technology of electronic amplifiers and recording machines.

Using the only remaining model of that original equipment, this film includes performances ofmodern musicians likeEltonJohn, Beck and Alabama Shakes.

The film's billing promises: "The American Epic Sessions ties together history and art in a way that's impossible to resist."

Hired Gun

This rock doc brings the prolific musicians who play in the shadows behind some of the world's biggest bands into the spotlight.

These "hired guns" are masters of their craft and have helped acts like KISS, Ozzy Osbourne,Billy Joel, Alice Cooper and P!NK put on shows on the world's biggest stages and pull off high-intensityrecording sessions.

"Hired Gundetails the highs and lows of touring life, the demands of session schedules, and the dedication required to play backseat to some of rock's most iconic musicians," the film's billing reads.

Android in La-La Land

English singer/songwriterGary Numan topped the charts in the 1970s with electronic hits like Are Friends Electricand Cars then effectively disappeared a decade later.

This film documents the crippling anxiety and depression he suffered as he tried to navigate the relentless gaze of thepublic eye while living withundiagnosed Asperger's syndrome, andchronicles Numan's return to the studio for the first time in nearly a decade

"Numan unabashedly and honestly recounts the stresses of stardom, Asperger's and the intense struggle to build a life and re-establish a career after his initial fame had waned," the billing reads.

Sonita

Thisofficial selection at the 2016 Sundance Film Festivaltells the story ofa poor, undocumented 18-year-old girl living illegally in the slums of Tehran who rebels against Iran'san oppressive culture with rap music and art.

Her challenges include a conservative mother whowantsto sell her for $9,000 as a bride.

"Filmed in Tehran, Sonitaputs a real name and face on the familiar story of feminine oppression and dehumanization," reads the film's billing.

Sidemen: Long Road to Glory

Featuringiconic blues musiciansPinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin and Willie "Big Eyes" this film explores the ups and downs ofachieving success in the musical world.

"In some of their last interviews together, the trio outlines their experiences as 'sidemen'to the well-known blues prodigies Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters, as well as their time on the road touring," reads the film's billing.

"They demonstrate that passion and determination can overcome difficulty on the road to success."

Geezer

FormerGreen Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong stars in this story about an aging punk rocker who finds himself a decade into his band's "indefinite hiatus" and living a comfortable family life in the suburbs.

When his family forgets his 40th birthday, though, hegoes a bit off the rails andrents fancy New York hotel suite to throw himselfa properrock-star bash in an effort to relive his glory days.

"Throughout the day Perry encounters crazy former bandmates and an ex-girlfriend who presents an opportunity to revive his stalled career, all while trying to stay on top of his family duties," reads the film's billing.

Stronger Than Bullets

When the Arab Spring took hold in Libya in February2011, violence ripped the country apart butmusic brought its people together.

The end ofMuammarGaddafi's42-year dictatorship also ended hiscensorship ofWestern music but, as this film chronicles, musicians from all walks of Libyan lifefound their hopes for a new era of freedom would not be so easily won.

"As the remnants of the old empire cling to power, the musicians find their very right to play threatened," the billing reads.