Movies Similar to Born to Sing

Woody Guthrie: Ain't Got No Home(2006)

Every American who has listened to the radio knows Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land." The music of the folk singer/songwriter has been recorded by everyone from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to U2. Originally blowing out of the Dust Bowl in Depression-era America, he blended vernacular, rural music and populism to give voice to millions of downtrodden citizens. Guthrie's music was politically leftist, uniquely patriotic and always inspirational.

John Denver: Country Boy(2013)

This BBC documentary chronicles the life of folk/soft-rock singer John Denver through his rise with The Chad Mitchell Trio and Peter, Paul and Mary, his subsequent stardom, his popularity decline, and his tragic death at age 53.

The Other Side of the Mirror: Bob Dylan: Live at the Newport Folk Festival(2007)

An unvarnished chronicle of Bob Dylan's metamorphosis from folk to rock musician via appearances at the Newport Folk Festival between 1963 and 1965.

Karen Dalton: In My Own Time(2021)

Blues and folk singer Karen Dalton was a prominent figure in 1960s New York. Idolized by Bob Dylan and Nick Cave, Karen discarded the traditional trappings of success and led an unconventional life until her early death. Since most images of Karen have been lost or destroyed, the film uses Karen's dulcet melodies and interviews with loved ones to build a rich portrait of this singular woman and her hauntingly beautiful voice.

Pete Seeger: The Power of Song(2007)

Interviews, archival footage and home movies are used to illustrate a social history of folk artists Pete Seeger.

Jag är inte beredd att dö än(2014)

Jag är inte beredd att dö än (I'm Not Yet Ready to Die) is a documentary that follows Laleh Pourkarim—one of Sweden's most celebrated musicians—over two years time. Laleh takes pains to maintain her privacy in spite of her popularity. This film is a rare opportunity for fans to glimpse her daily life, from her hometown of Hammarkullen to settings abroad.

Mica and Stories Around Her(2010)

Milica Ostojic (aka Mica Trofrtaljka or Mica Davorika), a singer from Milicevci near Cacak (Serbia) by singing the song "Davorike, dajke" became a big star of new underground music in the seventies in former Yugoslavia. Forgotten for years, she returned to the scene in the film "Pretty Village, Pretty Flame", saying the historical sentence: "Shut up mate, erotica".

Chords of Fame(1984)

Documentary about the life of folk singer Phil Ochs.

John Denver: Country Roads Live in England(1986)

Fans continue to treasure the songs and performances of John Denver, one of the most popular recording artists of the 20th century. Before his death in 1997, Denver toured the world, landing in Birmingham, England, for the 1986 concert captured here. The sunny country star provides heartfelt renditions of many of his biggest hits, including "Take Me Home, Country Roads" and "Sunshine on My Shoulders."

The Genius of Bert Jansch: Folk, Blues & Beyond(2014)

Interviews and rare archive footage weave together performances from a landmark multi-artist concert at the Royal Festival Hall in London, celebrating the songs and artistry of the great folk-blues troubadour Bert Jansch.

Mani Matter - Warum syt dir so truurig?(2002)

An intimate documentary about the life and times of Swiss poet and folk singer Mani Matter (1936-1972), seen from his friends' perspective.

Johnny Hoes: Och Was Ik Maar...(2008)

Hasta el fin de Delfín(2018)

A few years ago the indigenous musician Delfín Quishpe uploaded a video clip on YouTube of his song Torres Gemelas without imagining the impact it would have. For some, the video was strange and in bad taste, however his charisma and his lyrics made him a celebrity. After ten years, Delfín still has not overcome the hangover of fame and now he struggles not to turn off the magic of his music, in a world of ephemeral stars in the digital age.

Quietest Boy – The Lillebjørn Nilsen Story(2022)

A documentary portraying the life of Norwegian folk singer Lillebjørn Nilsen. Lillebjørn's talent brought him into the limelight as a shy 15-year-old. This is his own story about music, fame and an eternal longing for peace.

The Sfroos - Viaggio nella musica di Lombardia(2015)

John Wesley Harding: Don't Look Back Now - The Film(2021)

Filmed with four cameras, over two shows at Union Hall, Brooklyn, on October 27th, 2008, this film is especially for those of you who miss the live experience: the sweat, the proximity, the forgotten lyrics. This is far better than a Zoom show with me sitting at my desk: it looks and sounds beautiful. It’s what you really want to see (as opposed to being the only thing we can bring you) and it’s the absolute closest thing to being at one of my shows. And - as luck would have it - I’m playing all your favorite songs. How do I know? Because we asked you to choose the setlist way back then, and you did.

Bob Roberts(1992)

Millionaire conservative Bob Roberts launches an insurgent campaign against incumbent senator Brickley Paiste, firing up crowds at his rallies by singing '60s-style acoustic folk songs with lyrics espousing far-right conservative social and economic views.

A Mighty Wind(2003)

Three eclectic, never-quite-famous folk bands come together for the first time in decades following the death of their manager to put on an reunion concert in his honor, at the request of his son.

Juliet, Naked(2018)

Annie is stuck in a long-term relationship with Duncan – an obsessive fan of obscure rocker Tucker Crowe. When the acoustic demo of Tucker's hit record from 25 years ago surfaces, its discovery leads to a life-changing encounter with the elusive rocker himself.

No Problem(1984)

The manager of a company gets in trouble when he cannot pay his workers. The billions were spent on a football stadium which is empty now, and the bank did not approve new credits for the meaningless investments. Maybe the stadium will get filled during the concert of popular singer Lepa Brena.