In a tiny Alabama town with the curious name of Muscle Shoals, something miraculous sprang from the mud of the Tennessee River. A group of unassuming, yet incredibly talented, locals came together and spawned some of the greatest music of all time: Mustang Sally, I Never Loved a Man, Wild Horses, and many more. During the most incendiary periods of racial hostility, white folks and black folks came together to create music that would last for generations and gave birth to the incomparable “Muscle Shoals sound.”

At the heart of the story is Rick Hall; overcoming crushing hardship, he managed to entice talent like Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett to come and record what became their hit albums, backed up by the funkiest white men ever - the homegrown house band, the Swampers. As the word spread about the electrifying musical chemistry in this unexpected place, the likes of Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, the Staples Singers, the Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Simon and Garfunkel magnetically followed suit. Interviewing an incredible roster of musicians, director Greg Camalier unearths a rich history of this unheralded gold mine of American music.

A Celebration of Muscle Shoals with Gregg Allman and John Paul White of The Civil Wars
Following the Saturday 27 April screening of Muscle Shoals - join Gregg Allman and John Paul White for an intimate sharing of music. This acoustic 45 minute live performance will take place directly following the film screening. For more info click here.

“For musicians raised in the heart of the South, the Allman Brothers are gods. Count me among the worshipers. I'm honoured immensely to be included in this project in any small way, and working with one of my heroes excites me to no end” John Paul White The Civil Wars

Tickets for The Celebration of Muscle Shoals can only be purchased as a ‘Movie and Music Package’ in conjunction with the film ticket to Muscle Shoals.

Dates and times

  • 25 April  –  5.30pm
  • 27 April  –  6.00pm
  • 28 April  –  2.30pm

Credits

Director: Greg "Freddy" Camalier
Screenwriters: Greg "Freddy" Camalier

About the Director

Greg “Freddy” Camalier makes his directorial debut with Muscle Shoals. The film was inspired by a magical happenstance visit to the town of the same name in Alabama. Camalier is a self-taught filmmaker who expresses his passion using his instinct, sensibility, and great appreciation of the art form. His original approach to this music documentary is apparent in the mystical and evocative way he tells the story of Muscle Shoals.

Filmmaker Q&As
Do you have questions for the filmmaker? At Sundance London you’ll have the chance to ask them.
Filmmaker Q&As after every screening.