Get ready for an exhilarating journey into the world of rock music! The official documentary 'The Ballad Of Judas Priest', chronicling the legendary journey of the iconic English heavy metal band JUDAS PRIEST, is set to premiere at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival, known as Berlinale, from February 12 to 22.
Berlinale holds a special place in the film industry as it stands out as one of the largest and most culturally rich public film festivals worldwide, drawing in tens of thousands of visitors each year from every corner of the globe. For filmmakers and media professionals alike, this eleven-day event in February is not only a highlight of the annual calendar but also an essential marketplace for trading ideas and artistic expressions.
The rich history of the Berlin International Film Festival dates back to its inception in 1951, during the early years of the Cold War. It was initially conceived as a 'showcase of the free world' for the citizens of Berlin. Informed by the tumultuous post-war era and the distinct context of a divided city, Berlinale has evolved to become a hub for intercultural dialogue and a platform for critically engaging with significant social issues through cinema. Today, it proudly holds the title of the most politically charged among all major film festivals.
This exciting documentary is co-directed by renowned filmmaker Sam Dunn and guitarist Tom Morello of RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, marking Morello's directorial debut. 'The Ballad Of Judas Priest' will dive deep into the band's monumental influence on music and culture, showcasing their far-reaching impact beyond just the heavy metal genre. With unforgettable hits like 'Breaking The Law' and 'You've Got Another Thing Comin'', this film promises to capture the passion, resilience, and enduring legacy of a band whose story continues to motivate fans across generations.
Dunn expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I am incredibly proud to share that our documentary on JUDAS PRIEST, 'The Ballad Of Judas Priest', will have its world premiere at Berlinale this February. I can't wait for our German metal fans to get a first look!"
Rising from modest beginnings in Birmingham, England, JUDAS PRIEST has transformed into global rock icons, playing a pivotal role in shaping the heavy metal landscape. Often hailed as pioneers of the genre since the 1970s, they have sold over 50 million records and released 19 studio albums to a loyal fanbase worldwide. In 2022, they were honored with induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Their upcoming album, 'Invincible Shield', set for release in 2024, will mark a remarkable milestone as they become the first heavy metal band to release studio albums spanning 50 years. This album has already garnered extensive acclaim, including a Grammy nomination for 'Best Metal Performance'. Later this fall, they will embark on a co-headlining tour with Alice Cooper across 22 cities in North America.
JUDAS PRIEST shared: "For over fifty years, metal has been our life’s breath, and in this documentary, we invite our audience to witness our story in an unfiltered way, revealing PRIEST in all its glorious metal essence!"
Co-directors Morello and Dunn added, "While many may recognize JUDAS PRIEST for their monumental hits that have played a significant role in defining the heavy metal sound, their story is much deeper than that. This film will explore their incredible journey over the past 50 years, illustrating how they shaped not only the auditory but also the visual aspects of metal, all while fostering inclusivity within the genre. We are thankful to the band for granting us such close, unvarnished access to their lives, and we eagerly anticipate sharing this film with metal enthusiasts around the globe."
Produced by Banger Films, with Dunn and Morello at the helm, the documentary features producers Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn, alongside executive producers Tom Morello, Rick Krim, Sheila Stepanek, and Jayne Andrews. Tom Mackay, Krista Wegener, and Abby Davis serve as executive producers for Sony Music Vision, while Sylvia Rhone is the executive producer for Epic Records. Sony Music Vision will be responsible for presenting and distributing the film.
Currently, the touring lineup of JUDAS PRIEST includes lead vocalist Rob Halford, bassist Ian Hill, guitarists Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap, and drummer Scott Travis. Although guitarist Glenn Tipton has been living with Parkinson's disease for over 15 years and announced in early 2018 that he would be stepping back from touring activities to support the 'Firepower' album, he has been replaced by producer Sneap, who is also renowned for his work with NWOBHM revivalists HELL and thrash act SABBAT.
Set to launch in March 2024, PRIEST's latest offering, 'Invincible Shield', debuted at No. 2 on the U.K. chart, just behind Ariana Grande's 'Eternal Sunshine'. Before 'Invincible Shield', PRIEST achieved their highest U.K. chart position with the 1980 release 'British Steel', which peaked at No. 4. Their 2018 album 'Firepower' also marked a significant achievement, entering the charts at No. 5.
With 'Invincible Shield' now marking JUDAS PRIEST's fifth Top 10 album, they continue to build on the successes of their previous works, including 'British Steel', 'Firepower', 2014's 'Redeemer Of Souls' (which reached No. 6), and the live album 'Unleashed In The East' from 1979 (No. 10). In addition to its U.K. success, 'Invincible Shield' reached the top position in Germany, Finland, Sweden, and Switzerland, and also performed well in other markets, landing at No. 5 in France, No. 8 in Italy, and No. 16 in Australia.
Photo credit goes to Andy 'Elvis' McGovern.
