Bordeaux is set to become the epicenter of cinematic and musical exploration as Musical Écran, the city’s beloved documentary film festival, returns for its 11th edition from November 8 to 15, 2025. Organized by the association Bordeaux Rock, this year’s program promises a rich tapestry of sounds and stories, celebrating the power of music across cultures, eras, and genres.
For over a decade, Musical Écran has been synonymous with curiosity, offering audiences a chance to dive deep into the lives of musicians, movements, and scenes that have shaped global music history. This year’s selection includes 30 documentaries, with screenings hosted at iconic venues such as Cinéma Mégarama, Théâtre Molière, Médiathèque de Mériadeck, and La Méca.
From rock legends like the Sex Pistols and Fugazi to avant-garde composers like Erik Satie, and from Congolese rumba heroines to electronic pioneers like Carl Craig, the festival spans continents and decades. With 13 national premieres and 2 world premieres, there’s something for every music enthusiast.
Opening Night: A Punk Legend Returns
The festival kicks off on Saturday, November 8, with a highly anticipated evening dedicated to punk rock royalty. Glen Matlock, founding member and original bassist of the Sex Pistols, will attend the French premiere of I Was a Teenage Sex Pistol. Directed by Andre Relis and Nick Mead, the documentary offers an intimate look at Matlock’s pivotal role in crafting some of the most iconic tracks in punk history, including "Anarchy in the UK" and "God Save the Queen."
Matlock, now 69, will share insights into the meteoric rise of the Sex Pistols, their scandals, and his own journey beyond the band. The screening will be followed by a DJ set featuring Rubin Steiner and JD Beauvallet at Reine Cargo, ensuring an unforgettable opening night.
Eclectic Programming Across Genres
Each day of the festival highlights different facets of music culture:
Sunday, November 9: A global journey through sound, featuring Rumba congolaise: Les Héroïnes, Desire: The Carl Craig Story, and Le Mystère Satie.
Monday, November 10: Dive into post-hardcore with We Are Fugazi from Washington DC.
Tuesday, November 11: Explore resilience and creativity with Dakh Daughters, a Ukrainian cabaret-punk collective, and revisit Iron Maiden’s early days in Di’Anno: Iron Maiden's Lost Singer.
Wednesday, November 12: Celebrate ska with Pauline Black of The Selecter in Pauline Black: A 2 Tone Story.
Thursday, November 13: Discover the queer iconography of Jimmy Somerville in Jimmy Somerville, Rebelle Queer de la Pop Anglaise (free entry at Médiathèque de Mériadeck).
Closing Night, November 15: Four films screen at La Méca, including L’Odyssée Musicale de Kate Bush and Ghost in the Machine, which delves into the science and philosophy of music.
Spotlight on Local Talent
One of the standout moments will be the world premiere of Roots of French Dub: The Story of Improvisators Dub. This film traces the legacy of Bordeaux’s pioneering dub-electronic group, whose innovative blend of Jamaican rhythms and local activism left an indelible mark on France’s underground scene.
Accessibility and Engagement
Tickets are priced affordably at €7–€8.80 per screening, with a five-film pass available for just €25. Several screenings, including the Jimmy Somerville documentary and closing night at La Méca, are free to ensure accessibility for all. Reservations can be made via Helloasso or directly through the Mégarama website.
Mark your calendars and join the celebration of music and cinema in Bordeaux this November!
Key Dates and Venues:
Dates: November 8–15, 2025
Venues: Cinéma Mégarama, Théâtre Molière, Médiathèque de Mériadeck, La Méca
Ticket Prices: €7–€8.80 per screening; €25 for a five-film pass
Full Program: Available on www.bordeauxrock.com
The festival opens with a special tribute to Glen Matlock of the Sex Pistols and features over 30 documentaries, including 13 national and 2 world premieres, showcasing diverse musical genres and untold stories.