The 78 Project Movie

Filmmaker Alex Steyermark and co-writer Lavinia Jones Wright here travel coast to coast meeting musicians in the folk/acoustic genre and recording the artists in their element using the Presto, a 1930s machine that is able to etch and playback 30-second acetate discs on the spot. This was the technology used by nomadic musicologist Alan Lomax for his legendary Library of Congress audio (and the film visits the factory where recording acetates are still produced today). In addition to the fascinating history lesson and appreciation for analog sound, The 78 Project Movie also depicts the emotional reactions of the various artists and their families—some of whose ancestors were visited by Lomax—when they behold the lo-fi miracle of the Presto. Featuring musicians such as Dylan LeBlanc and John Doe, as well as actor John C. Reilly, extras for this offbeat music documentary include additional performances and an interview with Don Fleming from the Association for Cultural Equity. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (C. Cassady)