“America’s Musical Journey” Enthralls New Audiences Worldwide
Brand USA’s giant-screen film “America's Musical Journey” - depicting the musically creative roots of the United States – continues to receive rave reviews at premieres internationally.
The film, narrated by Academy Award®-winning actor Morgan Freeman, follows the journey of Grammy Award-nominated singer/songwriter Aloe Blacc for a joyful, tune-filled tour of the USA’s most iconic music cities, visiting special places and unique cultural diversity that gave birth to America’s celebrated musical heritage.
“America’s Musical Journey”- a collaboration between the destination marketing organization and MacGillivray Freeman Films along with global presenting sponsors Expedia Group and Air Canada - is a cornerstone of Brand USA’s marketing strategy to promote the United States as a world-class travel destination.
The film debuted Oct. 9 to filmmakers, travel influencers and musicians at the Science Museum, London, where attendees were treated to live performances by Blacc and Mélat, a local artist from Austin, Texas who captures the eclectic soul of modern R&B. It also premiered Oct. 18 at the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne, Switzerland. The film previously was showcased in the USA, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Canada, France, Spain, South Korea, and Japan. With more international premieres on the horizon, the film is scheduled to be shown Nov. 29 in Sydney, Australia and Dec. 3 in Melbourne, Australia.
In addition, Cinepolis, the biggest cinema chain in Mexico, will feature “America’s Musical Journey,” and Brand USA’s first giant-screen film, ¨National Parks Adventure¨ in 40 cinemas in 28 cities in Mexico, starting on Dec. 14. Both films will be subtitled to keep the voices of the narrators and actors, Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman. The film’s premier for media and special guests is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov.28 at Plaza Miyana in Polanco, Mexico City.
"Music is an essential part of the human experience,” Blacc said, noting that it is an honor to be part of a movie that helps audiences discover the unique cultural influences that gave rise to jazz, the blues, folk, and other musical genres in the United States. “I love the freedom of expression in this country, which is a source of creativity and innovation unlike anywhere else."
"This film showcases the diverse and unique destinations, people, and experiences of the United States and provides us with the opportunity to strengthen that emotional connection with travelers from Australia,” said Christopher L. Thompson, president and CEO of Brand USA. “We are thrilled to share this film as a joyful exploration with government officials, travel influencers and media.”
With every chord, every riff and every bang of a drum, the music in this film tells the story of the USA’s rich musical heritage and Blaac’s journey takes him to iconic cities including New Orleans, LA; Chicago, IL; New York City, NY; Nashville and Memphis, TN; and Miami, FL. The film also examines the collision of cultures that gave birth to distinctly American musical genres such as jazz, blues, country, rock and roll, hip-hop, and more.
Viewers experience adventures like paddle-wheel boating up the Mississippi Delta, flash mob dancing in Chicago, and skydiving with Elvis Presley impersonators over Memphis. They see the artists, musicians, and innovators who are shaping American culture, including Jon Batiste, bandleader and musical director of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" as well as Latin music icons Gloria and Emilio Estefan.
Alongside the expanding global audience for "America's Musical Journey," "National Parks Adventure" continues to be featured in film screening events by U.S. embassies and consulates. International extensions of "National Parks Adventure" include:
- Valencia, Spain has extended the film though June 30, 2019
- Nurnberg, Germany has extended the film through December 31, 2018
- Mexicali, Mexico has extended through April 23, 2019