Music Existence Because of Music, We Exist
As X JAPAN prepare for the SXSW Film Festival debut of ‘WE ARE X’–the award-winning, music documentary on the Japanese rock group X JAPANfrom Passion Pictures–the trailer exclusively premiered this morning on DEADLINE Hollywood. ‘WE ARE X’ explores the evolution, groundbreaking history and hopeful future of the land of the rising sun’s most culturally significant and iconic rock group. From X JAPAN’s massive success (over 30 million albums, singles and videos sold) and sold-out tours worldwide, ‘WE ARE X’ chronicles the triumphs and tragedies of this legendary quintet who continue to tour the world performing sold-out shows to massive arenas in 16 countries throughout the U.S. and Europe.
SXSW Film has announced that ‘WE ARE X’ is already a finalist for the“SXSW 2016 Award for Excellence in Title Design” (here).
Three screenings of WE ARE X will be part of the SXSW Film Festival’s “24 Beats Per Second” which showcases the sounds, culture and influence of music and musicians with an emphasis on documentary and is open to both music and film badge holders. On Friday, March 18 at 7:15pm immediately following the ‘WE ARE X’ screening at the Paramount Theatre, YOSHIKI–songwriter, drummer, classically-trained pianist and the creative force of X JAPAN will perform classical versions of X JAPAN’s songs with a string quartet live on stage.Tickets for YOSHIKI’s 7:15pm performance are available in advance (here) and at the Paramount Theatrebox office.
X JAPAN’s ‘WE ARE X’ At SXSW in Austin, TX
‘WE ARE X’ screenings (music and film badges)
FRI 3/11 @ 6:30PM – Satellite Venue: Marchesa (6226 Middle Fiskville Rd)
WED 3/16 @ 10:45AM – Topfer Theatre at ZACH (1510 Toomey Rd)
FRI 3/18 @ 5:30PM – Paramount Theatre (713 Congress Ave)
YOSHIKI Live Performance (music/film badges and ticket holders)
FRI 3/18 @ 7:15PM – Paramount Theatre (713 Congress Ave) (Tickets)
‘WE ARE X’was produced by John Battsek of Passion Pictures, producer of two Academy Award-winning documentaries (Searching For SugarMan, One Day In September), and directed by Stephen Kijak (Stones In Exile, Scott Walker: 30th Century Man). The film wonthe Special Jury Award for “Best Editing”at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival Awards (Jan. 20) in Park City, UT. ‘WE ARE X’–edited by Mako Kamitsuna and John Maringuoin and assisted by June Okada–earned rousing ovations during its six Sundance screenings throughout film festival.
X JAPAN—YOSHIKI (drums/piano/composer), TOSHI (vocals), PATA (guitar),HEATH (bass), SUGIZO (violin/guitar) alongside their fallen brothers HIDE(guitars, 1987-1997) and TAIJI (1986-1992)–are currently laying down tracks in a Los Angeles studio for their as-yet-untitled album, which is due for a worldwide release in late 2016.
