Shorts: Music Documentaries

Building A Champion
Documentary • USA • 2025 • 20 Minutes

Director: Mike Woodall, Neal Woodall
Writers: Mike Woodall, Neal Woodall
Producers: Mike Woodall, Neal Woodall, Jake Foster, Glenn Pratt
Cinematographer: Joe Vella
Editor: Amelia Kramer, Melissa Harms

Following the Boston Crusaders at the 2024 Drum Corps International Finals, this documentary weaves archival footage, vérité storytelling, and personal reflections. It explores their 85-year journey in the world of major marching arts and what it truly means to succeed.

Songs Of Black Folk
Documentary • USA • 2025 • 26 Minutes

Director: Haley Watson, Justin Emeka
Producers: Haley Watson
Editor: David Faddis
Cast: Ramon Bryant Braxton, Leslie Braxton

This inspiring documentary follows Artistic Director Ramón Bryant Braxton as he unites history and heritage through music, showcasing the transformative power of faith, resilience, and community to honor the legacy of Black artistry.

My Back Pages
Documentary • USA • 2024 • 10 Minutes

Director: Nick Canfield, Paul Lovelace
Producers: Nick Canfield, Paul Lovelace
Cinematographer: Nick Canfield
Editor: Paul Lovelace
Cast: Mitch Blank

A portrait of Mitch Blank, the world’s foremost collector of Bob Dylan memorabilia and recordings, all kept in his tiny New York City apartment. This short documentary follows Mitch as he donates his life’s work to the Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Freeman Vines
Documentary • USA • 2025 • 14 Minutes

Director: André Robert Lee, Tim Kirkman
Producers: Gill Holland

For decades, 82-year-old Freeman Vines has been hand-carving guitars in hopes of replicating a sound that captivated and still haunts him. The guitars range in style from more traditional to fully abstract using a variety of wood — including lumber from trees once used to lynch Black men.