We were just talking about music from parts of the world that don't get enough attention, but we didn't have death metal from Angola in mind, admittedly. That is somewhat the subject of a hit documentary making the rounds, alluringly titled Death Metal Angola.
As excellent as that subject would be, the actual plot is much better. Sonia Ferreira and her partner Wilker Flores are admittedly not native Angolans. They are however very much invested in the country, operating an orphanage and taking a vested interest in the nation's burgeoning hardcore/metal scene. Their goal (which comes true) throughout the 70-minute film is to launch the nation's first national rock concert, a music festival for showcasing the many undiscovered bands within its borders and bring the war-torn country closer in the process. Death metal might not seem like the best genre for peace but trust us: Nothing is a better and safer outlet for excess emotion than an organized mosh.
Loudwire describes the film as "a look at a rock show off the grid that is fulfilling, haunting, and real."
It's appeared at 70 film festivals around the world already, even winning "best documentary" at the Rhode Island Film Festival.
Your options are limited if you want to see it in theaters unfortunately: It will only be screening at the AMC Burbank Town Center 8 in Los Angeles (November 7-13) and in New York City at the Cinema Village (November 21-26). The good news is that you can preorder it for download on iTunes now.
The film has been cleared for the 2015 Academy Awards so keep an eye out for it among the Best Documentary nominees when they roll out early during 2015).