Live from UB, a documentary on Mongolian rock music by Pittsburgh transplant Lauren Knapp, will play at the Silk Screen Asian American Film Festival on July 12 and 18. The film's synopsis:
LIVE FROM UB explores the small but vibrant rock scene in Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar (also called ‘UB’) by blending the story of one band creating original Mongolian rock with interviews from experts and Mongolian rock legends. Rock was a catalyst in the democratic revolution of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Now, more than twenty years later, the first generation to grow up in this new society is making its own music. Unlike the generation before them, the new music makers grew up watching MTV and can access music from anywhere in the world in an instant. But these young Mongolians are defying the forces of globalization and using modern music to both explore and assert their own unique heritage. Like Mongolia at large, they are eager to be recognized beyond their borders, but without sacrificing their identity.
Both screenings will be held at the Melwood Screening Room in Oakland (map). The screening on the 18th will be followed by a Q & A with Knapp. Ticket information is available on the film festival's website.