Belfast based Fine Point Films have premiered their new documentary on Friday evening at the world’s most prestigious film festival, Sundance.
The Go-Go’s tells the story of the most successful all-female band of all time. With their roots in the LA punk scene, the band included Charlotte Caffey (lead guitar & keyboards), Belinda Carlisle (lead vocals), Gina Schock (drums), Kathy Valentine (bass) and Jane Wiedlin (guitar & vocals).
Underpinned by full access to The Go-Go’s, this candid archive-rich biography assesses the group’s place in pop history and examines the feisty personalities and dynamics behind their rise, fall and numerous reincarnations. Until this film, there has never been a serious appraisal of The Go-Go’s talents or achievements – as musicians, groundbreakers, but even more so, as survivors.
The Go-Go’s rose to fame following the release of their 1981 debut album, “Beauty and the Beat,” a collection of infectious tracks with huge hooks. Locked at #1 on the Billboard charts for six consecutive weeks, “Beauty and the Beat” was one of the most successful debut albums of all time, featured the hits “Our Lips Are Sealed” (one of Rolling Stone’s “Top 100 Pop Singles’) and “We Got the Beat” and resulted in a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.
Almost 40-years since the release of “Beauty and the Beat”, the Go-Go’s remain the only all-female band, who played all their own instruments and wrote their own songs, to have a number one album.
Fine Point Films’ return to Sundance follows on from the World Premiere of ‘GAZA’ last year – the critically acclaimed documentary on life under siege in Gaza, directed by Garry Keane and conflict photographer Andrew McConnell, and co-produced by Fine Point Films Brendan Byrne and Trevor Birney.
“Going to Sundance twice in consecutive years is truly something special for us at Fine Point Films. Last year was a major moment for us, but to be back so soon with ‘The Go-Go’s’ is phenomenal. To be the first production company on the island of Ireland to do this is down to the hard work and dedication of the entire team and the talent of the producers that we have here.”
Trevor Birney (Fine Point Films)
About Fine Point Films
Fine Point Films is helmed by award-winning producer/director and journalist Trevor Birney, who specialises in producing high-end documentaries for international distribution. Fine Point’s most recent film ‘Gaza’ premiered at Sundance in 2019 and competed in the World Documentary competition.
Fine Point’s extensive production slate includes WGA nominated ‘No Stone Unturned’ directed by Academy Award-winning Alex Gibney, Emmy nominated Elián directed by Ross McDonnell and Tim Golden for CNN Films, ‘Bobby Sands: 66 Days’ directed by Brendan J. Byrne which broke Irish box office records, Netflix Originals Mercury 13 directed by Heather Walsh and David Sington, ‘George Best: All By Himself’ directed by Daniel Gordon for ESPN and BBC and co-producers on HBO’s Emmy-winning Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God directed by Alex Gibney.