Dixie State University and the DOCUTAH International Documentary Film Festival are launching monthly documentary screenings of high-quality documentaries, the first of which will be “The Wrecking Crew” at the Electric Theater in St. George on Friday, Jan. 29, at 7 p.m. Seating in the Electric Theater is limited and those interested in attending are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance.
“The Wrecking Crew” chronicles the careers of the studio musicians behind some of the biggest hits in the 1960s and 1970s. From artists such as Sinatra and Sonny and Cher to hits like “Be My Baby” to “California Girls,” “Strangers in the Night” to “Mrs. Robinson,” and “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feelin'” to “Up, Up and Away,” the group played for them all. Six years in a row in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Grammy for “Record of the Year” went to Wrecking Crew member recordings.
“The Wrecking Crew” was produced and directed by Denny Tedesco, son of the late, legendary Wrecking Crew guitarist Tommy Tedesco. Tommy Tedesco had been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and Denny wanted to get as much on film or on tape as possible before his father passed. What transpired over the next few years surprised even Denny, who will attend the screening and hold a filmmaker chat with the audience.
“This remarkable film is so much more than a documentary about music,” said Phil Tuckett, Executive Director of DOCUTAH and Director, DSU Films. “It encompasses a story of family values, of a non-stop work ethic and of commitment to both the band and their families staying strong through years of both success and failure. We are pleased to begin the DOCUTAH @ The Electric screenings with this film and at the historic Electric Theater which hosted some of the most famous films of the early twentieth century.”
Tickets to “The Wrecking Crew” are $5.00 and can be purchased at the door the night of the event or in advance at the Cox Auditorium box office or at docutah.com. Space is limited.
The DOCUTAH International Documentary Film Festival is held at Dixie State University in St. George, Utah. Submissions for the 2016 festival are now open. The 2016 Festival runs from Sept. 6-10 and includes filmmaker chats, seminars and gala events, all within the beautiful scenery of Southern Utah’s red rock country.
DOCUTAH’s mission is to inspire a global connection through independent documentary films and intellectual discussions. DOCUTAH strives to enhance the education of independent filmmakers, aspiring film students, citizens of the world and the Community. DOCUTAH is one of the few university-sponsored film festivals in the United States. It is an International pure documentary film festival. As part of Dixie State University’s academic component, DOCUTAH also offers master class seminars and filmmaker panels where student, amateur and professional filmmakers can discuss and advance their skills in the art of filmmaking.
