The Dixie Chicks: 'Shut Up And Sing'

This compelling and shocking documentary follows the downs-and-ups of the American country-music superstars The Dixie Chicks as they turn almost overnight from national heroines to the objects of vicious attacks from politicians and the media, and even death threats from the public, after the notorious incident when lead singer Natalie Maines made anti-war (and anti-George Bush) comments in 2003. This intimate portrait shows how the band have weathered the storm of abuse which greeted Natalie’s comments, and, in the two years following, continued supporting Natalie, recording music, touring America, and, perhaps more importantly, standing up for the right to freedom of expression.

One of the more interesting documentaries to represent the impact of 9/11 and the war with Iraq on American society, and the relationship between the media, politics and celebrity during the ‘war on terror,’ this film is definitely not just for fans of the Dixie Chicks.'Shut Up And Sing' presents an incisive critique of reactionary conservatism in America among, but also far beyond, the country-and-western-loving heartlands.

Extras: Trailer.

Released 3rd September 2007 by Momentum.

Written by Michael Lawrence.