Paul Levatino’s Documentary Bastards of Soul Screens at the Catalina Film Festival September 28 and the Newport Beach Film Festival October

Paul Levatino’s Documentary Bastards of Soul Screens at the Catalina Film Festival September 28 and the Newport Beach Film Festival October

“A love letter to music, friendship, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.”

Former Badu World and Control FreaQ Records General Manager Paul Levatino has two upcoming screenings in California for his directorial debut Bastards of Soul.

The film will play at ACC Theater, 236 Metropole Ave, Avalon, CA 90704 for the Catalina Film Festival on Saturday, September at 12:00PM. Then it will play at Starlight Triangle Cinemas, 1870 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 for the Newport Beach Film Festival on Friday, October 18 at 5:45PM. A reception with the filmmakers will follow the Newport Beach Film Festival screening.

Bastards of Soul, which clocks in at 1 hour and 22 minutes, is a deeply personal voyage into the life and legacy of the close-knit Dallas soul/R&B band Bastards of Soul. The band was formed by veteran musicians Chadwick Murray, Danny Balis, Chad Stockslager, Chris Holt, and Matt Trimble before emerging as a local favorite and signing with Eastwood Music Group.

They generated buzz at breakneck speed after the release of their debut album Spinnin’, playing packed shows with artists like The Black Pumas and Kamasi Washington. But in the limelight of fame, their journey was cut short by the loss of their charismatic frontman Chadwick. Six months after his passing, the band released their sophomore album Corners, and more than a year later, their final album Give It Right Back.

The documentary showcases the band’s last days together, featuring behind-the-scenes footage that captures the raw essence of their studio sessions and the electrifying stage presence that defined them. It is a tribute to the enduring power of music and the indomitable spirit of those who chase their dreams against all odds. The band’s final single, “This Love (feat. Keite Young),” has a strong presence in the film.

“It’s a privilege to showcase my film at these two festivals—each renowned for their commitment to the craft of storytelling and cinema,” concludes Levatino.

For those interested in attending, Catalina Film Festival tickets are available here and Newport Beach Film Festival tickets are available here.