BMG, Fremantle, WhyNow Studios Debut ‘Rebel Country’ Documentary with Tribeca Film Festival Premiere

Photo Credit: BMG

Rebel Country, a new documentary from BMG, Fremantle, and WhyNow Studios, debuts at the Tribeca Film Festival. The film explores the tensions of race, class, poverty, gender, sexuality, and more that are still prevalent in the US, while acknowledging their connection to Nashville’s rebellious country roots.Rebel Country will have its world premiere in New York City at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival in the Spotlight+ category, and will include a special appearance from country artist BRELAND. Directed by Francis Whately, Rebel Country is executive produced by BMG, and Gabriel Jagger and Janet Lee for WhyNow Studios.

“I am excited to have Rebel Country premiere in this current moment that the country music genre is experiencing,” said director Francis Whately. “The musicians, noted music journalists, and historians included in the film help give a broad picture of the genre and its influences over the years and a glimpse into the future. Through archival footage and exclusive performances filmed in cinematic locations, we are able to uncover and explore decades of music, celebrating the rebels from past and present.”

The film features musicians like rapper turned country singer Jelly Roll, who has constantly released new music from his days selling his mixtapes out of his car. These days he’s touring relentlessly, consistently topping the charts, and engaging with an enthusiastic fanbase that has amassed him over four billion views on YouTube.The documentary also features pop-infused rising star Lainey Wilson, who landed her first number one track nearly 10 years to the day after leaving her camper trailer in a small farming community to chase her music dreams. Blanco Brown, BRELAND, Lindsay Ell, Frank Ray, Chely Wright, Rissi Palmer, Jake Blount, and Sam Williams — son of the legendary Hank Williams — also make appearances in the film.

BRELAND, only recently announced as a featured artist in the film, hit it big in 2019 with his viral hit “My Truck,” and has continued to develop and hone his style. He has collaborated with big names in the genre like Keith Urban and Dierks Bentley, challenging and changing the country music landscape along the way.