WE ARE X - Film Trailer & #SXSW Screenings
WHAT-IS: "X Japan was formed by childhood friends, Yoshiki and Toshi who ignited a musical revolution in Japan during the late 80’s with their melodic metal and flamboyant fashion. Their unique appearance and style created a Japanese cultural rock phenomenon known as “Visual-Kei,” a movement that spread globally. X Japan’s success was unprecedented, including 18 sold out nights at the Tokyo Dome (55,000 seats).
With more than 30 million albums sold worldwide, X is the most successful rock band in Japanese history. However, their success never translated to the West, despite influencing many popular American bands.
In the fall of 1997, at the height of their success, X broke up - devastating millions of fans and leaving enigmatic leader Yoshiki to battle physical and spiritual demons in a solitary campaign to bring their music to the world.
Twenty years after the tragedy-fueled split, Director Stephen Kijak’s exacting approach traces the arc of X -- from phenomenal origins through tumultuous super-stardom and premature dissolution up to present day, as the band prepares to reunite for a show at the legendary Madison Square Garden while struggling to reconcile a past haunted by suicide, injury and cultish extremism with the insatiable thirst for perfection that has made them legendary.
WE ARE X is the story of the most influential band in the world that you've never heard of…yet." (www.wearexfilm.com)
(www.xjapanmusic.com / www.yoshiki.net)
"We Are X" will have three screenings at SXSW Film followed by a performance by Yoshiki.
"The screenings will take place on Friday, March 11 at Marchesa, Wednesday, March 16 at Topfer Theatre at Zach, and Friday, March 18 at Paramount Theatre; all three screenings are part of SXSW Film’s 24 Beats Per Second programming and will be open to Music, Film, Gold, and Platinum badge-holders." (www.sxsw.com)
