Called to the Mountains

Called to the Mountains is a English/Japanese language documentary film telling the story of the 5 members of Bluegrass 45, one of the first prominent bluegrass bands in Japan to form in the 1960s. Through intimate cinematography, archival materials, and interviews captured over several years, the film follows each of the band’s members from their day-to-day lives in Japan, all the way back to the American South to retrace their 1971 US tour, 50 years later. Called to the Mountains explores how their connection to music and culture from 5,000 miles away, ultimately called them, accepted them, and forever changed their identities. (Nashville Film Festival)