Musicwood

Musicwood is an engaging and thought-provoking documentary released in 2012. The film stars The Antlers, Dave Berryman, and Turin Brakes, renowned musicians in their respective genres. However, this is not just simply a film about musicians. Rather, Musicwood delves into the very essence of guitar-playing music, and how it significantly depends on the perpetuity of the world's forests, particularly the old growth of Sitka spruce trees in the Tongass National Forest of Alaska.

Musicwood begins with the introduction of a fascinating independent global crisis that many people might not be aware of - the looming shortage of quality guitar wood. A main part of the plot includes a journey to the heart of Southeast Alaska, which possesses one of the world's last pristine rainforests – an essential resource for the sustainably harvested Sitka spruce. Interestingly, it's the unique tonal qualities of this tree that make it a coveted ingredient for top-tier acoustic guitars.

The documentary pivots around three key musical instrument manufacturing companies, Gibson Guitars, Martin, and Taylor, focusing particularly on the crisis their industry is facing due to logging practices. Dave Berryman, the respected president of Gibson, plays a critical role in introducing the audience to the challenges facing the guitar-making industry. This provides an intimate and rare insight into the struggles that are faced behind the scenes in the industry, battles that frequently go unnoticed by the masses.

But the film doesn’t stop at examining the impact on the instrument industry. It turns a revealing spotlight onto the Native American logging company, Sealaska, whose heavy logging activities have been eroding the forest at a threatening rate. The conflict between the company and the musical instrument manufacturers, and their resulting environmental battle, forms a central narrative of the documentary.

Musicwood then brings in a captivating music element to the ecological and socio-economic matters at hand, courtesy of the featured musicians, of which The Antlers and Turin Brakes are a part of, along with the likes of Yo La Tengo, Kaki King, and Steve Earle. The musicians are seen visiting the forest themselves, in a bid to understand and then raise awareness of the ongoing crisis. Their cruise through the serene beauty of these forests, bearing witness to the harsh realities of deforestation, are underscored by ethereal and haunting performances by these artists, instilling a sense of melodic urgency to the issue.

Moving from boardrooms to outdoor concerts, concert halls to the inner sanctum of the forest, the film offers complex characters and picturesque cinematography, interwoven with expertly crafted guitar music. Not only does it explore how the environment directly impacts the music world, it also provides a sensitive look into modern Native American culture and the hurdles it faces in the 21st Century.

This riveting film serves as a homage to acoustic guitars, the process of their creation, and the forests from which they originate. Yet, it also serves as a battle cry and an attempt to enlist the help of music fans before the timber that provides life to acoustic guitars is gone forever. Musicwood poses a crucial question: Can an age-old industry, the Native American community, and the environmental activists come together to save these precious forests before it's too late?

Directed by Maxine Trump, Musicwood delivers both a treat to the senses and food for thought. The film masterfully strikes a balance between entertainment, education, and advocacy. If you're a music enthusiast interested in understanding how your beloved instruments come into being or someone deeply concerned with environmental preservation, this multifaceted documentary will certainly pique your interest.

Musicwood offers many surprises along the way, skillfully capturing the sense of urgency that underpins a crisis that could silence the music forever. Its compelling narrative, vivid storytelling, and haunting musical performances make it a must-watch for those willing to explore the connection between music, culture, politics, and environment. Despite dealing with critical and serious issues, it resonates with hope, and the belief that balance and harmony can still be restored.