HAPPENING 2 July 2025 – A historic bluegrass film will receive its European premiere in Rotterdam this July. The screening will be followed by a live performance and Q&A with the film’s director.
Bluegrass Country Soul premieres in Rotterdam ahead of summer festival
In the lead-up to this summer’s Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival, an event has been announced that highlights the roots of the genre and the film that helped shape the festival itself. The 1971 American documentary Bluegrass Country Soul will be screened for the first time in a European cinema on Wednesday, 2 July 2025, at KINO Rotterdam.
The film is considered by organisers to be a foundational inspiration for the Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival. Festival director Guido de Groot has previously cited the documentary as the original spark for the event that now annually transforms Noordplein into a bluegrass hotspot.
Screening to include live performance and director Q&A
The event at KINO will not only include the screening of the restored documentary but also a post-film discussion with director Albert Ihde and producer Ellen Pasternack, who will be travelling from the United States to attend.
Following the Q&A session, guests will be treated to a live bluegrass performance in the cinema foyer. The identity of the performing act has not yet been announced.
A glimpse into bluegrass history
Bluegrass Country Soul captures a 1971 bluegrass festival held in Virginia, USA, and features iconic performances from musicians including Earl Scruggs, The Country Gentlemen and Jimmy Martin. The film also marks early appearances by The Bluegrass 45 and a young Tony Rice, performing with J.D. Crowe in what would become The New South.
The documentary is often cited as a pivotal record of bluegrass’ evolution and the rise of the ‘New Grass’ movement (Nieuwe Bluegrass-stijl). It offers insights into both the cultural impact and the community surrounding the genre.
Part of a wider festival experience
The screening serves as a precursor to the Rotterdam Bluegrass Festival, which takes place on 4, 5 and 6 July 2025 at Noordplein. The festival has grown into a fixture on the city’s cultural calendar, offering a mix of traditional bluegrass, contemporary acoustic music, and family-friendly programming.
How to get to KINO Rotterdam
KINO is located in the heart of Rotterdam at Gouvernestraat 129-133. The cinema is easily accessible via public transport, with nearby tram and metro stops at Eendrachtsplein. The area is known for its creative and independent film culture, making it a fitting venue for this niche music documentary.
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