Magma documentary to premiere in Toronto this month

The movie poster

It’s been announced that the documentary To Life, Death And Beyond: The Music of Magma is to receive its premiere later this month.

Written and directed by Laurent Goldstein, the film charts the last 50 years of the French prog pioneers and features interviews with fans and fellow musicians, including Metallica’s Robert Trujillo, former Dead Kennedys vocalist Jello Biafra and ex King Crimson member Trey Gunn.

The documentary also includes an in-depth interview with Magma leader Christian Vander and other musicians who have played their part in Magma’s history.

A statement reads: “The film is packed with archival footage and an amazingly beautiful soundtrack is always flowing underneath. It is articulated around six chapters, taking the viewers on a journey through Christian Vander’s childhood, his discovery of John Coltrane who became his mentor, the birth of Magma and the different periods of the band.

“It also covers Christian’s unique approach and philosophy on music and life along with a tribute to the band’s album Mekanik Destruktiw Kommandoh. It ends on an inspiring and moving section where fans from various countries share the impact that the music has had on their life.”

It’ll receive its premiere at Toronto’s Royal cinema on August 20 at 2pm and Magma will then perform at the city’s Mod Club Theatre that evening. The film will then be screened in Montreal at the Casa Del Popolo on August 22 and the band will perform live sets on the 21 and 22 at La Sala Rossa.

View a trailer for To Life, Death And Beyond: The Music Of Magma below.

Meet Laurent Goldstein, the man who's just made a film about Magma

Scott Munro
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Scott has spent 35 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in the summer of 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott keeps Louder’s buyer’s guides up to date, writes about the best deals for music fans, keeps on top of the latest tech releases and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more for Louder. Over the last 10 years, Scott has written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from daily news and weekly features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, The Tragically Hip, Marillion and Rush.