SANTA CRUZ, CA, February 11, 2011 — The Santa Cruz Film Festival (SCFF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the support and promotion of moving image arts in California’s Greater Monterey Bay Area, announces that it will present the World Premiere of Michèle Benson and Dean Newbury’s feature-length documentary, The Catalyst, at the upcoming 10th Santa Cruz Film Festival, May 5-14, 2011.
The Catalyst is an historical documentary showcasing 40 years of live music at Santa Cruz, California’s world-renowned music hall. From its incarnation in the early 1960’s as a bohemian coffee house to its present day status as an iconic cultural institution, the film is a journey into the vision of its founder, the late Randall Kane, and an “All Access Pass” into the club’s rich and magical history. Featuring interviews with The Catalyst’s staff and crew as well as performance footage from its diverse roster of alums including The Doobie Brothers, Neil Young, Greg Kihn, Nirvana, Billy Idol, Tina Turner, James Brown, Huey Lewis and the News, The Tubes, Ry Cooder, Patti Smith and many more, The Catalyst takes us behind the scenes of this hallowed venue distinguished by its memorable one-of-a-kind moments and the love of all who have entered. Visit thecatalystfilm.comfor more information about the film.
“When Dean approached me about directing and co-writing this project all my instincts said, YES! I had been shooting the Catalyst for 30 years for the press, bands, labels and video shoots. In the place that was virtually my second home it was a perfect fit and natural transition to take the next step and document this amazing venue as a feature documentary.” said Director Michèle Benson. She continued, “Many musicians manifested their musical futures on the stage of The Catalyst and, for many, there is a special kindred moment in time for them personally that they hold close to their heart. It is because of this personal and professional musical environment that we labored diligently for the past ten years to make this film; so we could share with others what The Catalyst truly represented to musicians, crew, staff and every individual who ever graced her doors.”
Producer Dean Newbury said, “I view The Catalyst not just as a movement in the musical time line but rather a magic moment that encompassed four decades. It was a privilege to work on this project, with the added bonus of all of the personal experiences I had working for Randall Kane and The Catalyst.”
“We could not be more excited about hosting the World Premiere of this beautiful, heartfelt and thrilling tribute to an important piece of Santa Cruz history,” said Julian Soler, Director of Programming. He continued, “Local filmmakers, Michèle Benson and Dean Newbury, have expertly captured the club’s spirit and essence, and the Festival is proud to support their work. Their achievement in finding the amazing concert footage featured in the film is worth the price of admission alone!”
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