Music Pictures
Music Pictures gives us a personal view into the life and craft of four distinguished elders of the New Orleans music world. Irma Thomas, The Soul Queen of New Orleans, had her first local hit in 1959 with Don't Mess With My Man. Benny Jones Sr. began parading and drumming with the Olympia Brass Band in the early 60's before founding the world famous Dirty Dozen and Tremé Brass bands. Little Freddie King hopped the train south from Mississippi at age 14 and never looked back. Ellis Marsalis helped found the modern jazz scene in New Orleans in the 50's, and has nurtured the talents of many great players as a teacher in the decades since. Now in their 80's, these local masters continue their practice, for the love of the music, in the city that made them who they are.
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Ben ChaceDirectorSin Alas, Wah Do Dem
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Ben ChaceWriterSin Alas, Wah Do Dem
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Ben ChaceProducer
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John CaulkinsProducerKeep On Keepin' On, Leaning into The Wind
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Irma ThomasKey Cast"self"
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Little Freddie KingKey Cast"self"
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Benny Jones Sr.Key Cast"self"
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Nisa EastCinematographyTime
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Bruno DoriaCinematographyOn Va Continuer
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Zac ManuelCinematographyTime, Alone
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Sam FleischnerCinematographyWah Do Dem
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Lily KeberCinematographyBayou Maharajah
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Ben ChaceEditorSin Alas, Wah Do Dem
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Project Type:Documentary
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Runtime:1 hour 9 minutes
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Completion Date:October 20, 2021
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Production Budget:95,000 USD
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Country of Origin:United States
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Country of Filming:United States
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Language:English
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Shooting Format:RED, FS7
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:No
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Student Project:No
Ben Chace has directed and produced several independent features, including 'Wah Do Dem' which won the jury prize at the 2010 Los Angeles Film Festival, was shortlisted for best film at BFI London FF and made the Top 10 Films of 2010 in ArtForum. His follow up 'Sin Alas', the first American produced feature filmed in Cuba since 1959 was shown at AFI Latin and International Film Festival Rotterdam, Curacao, and was called a "Hauntingly poetic, cinematic experience" by Hollywood Reporter. It was distributed by Kino Lorber in 2016.
This project was my way to engage some musical heroes of mine, to work with them, to learn from their experience, and to facilitate the opportunity for them to make one more recording that might, in some small way, document and celebrate their life’s work. It was a beautiful experience, and I am grateful I had the chance to make it happen.