Perth will host launch of American Epic

Perth’s Southern Fried Festival of American roots music will begin on Thursday with the UK premiere screening of American Epic: Out of The Many, The One.

Narrated by legendary actor Robert Redford, the movie is a series of four films which celebrate the confluence of commercialism, innovation, music and diversity in the 1920s.

The project has secured the participation of a roster of high profile artists such as Elton John, who composes a song on camera especially for the film.

The film-makers have attempted to preserve American’s musical history by restoring vintage photographs found in attics and basement including the earliest never-before-seen footage from the twenties and thirties and an audio restoration project over the last six years

American Epic has a strong local connection to the Southern Fried festival, as creator, writer and producer Allison McGourty’s family has lived in Perth for 35 years.

Although she now lives in Los Angeles, she is a regular visitor to the city.

“I am thrilled to be screening American Epic in my home town of Perth,” she said.

“The Scots share a great love of music and American roots music in particular.”

For information visit www. southernfriedfestival.co.uk.

Allison McGourty is “thrilled” the film will be screened in Perth.