SILVERDOCS: ‘Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey’ by Bari Biern


In 2008, a young Canadian singer/songwriter named Justin Bieber was discovered on YouTube by the man who later became his manager. Halfway across the globe, another YouTube Cinderella story was unfolding.

Arnel Pineda. Photo by Rueben V. Nepales.

Arnel Pineda, a struggling Filipino rock singer performing with a Journey cover band in Manila, received a message from a man claiming to be Journey guitarist, Neal Schon. The legendary ‘80s band was looking for a new lead singer and, after seeing Pineda’s performance of “Falling” on a YouTube video (SEE BELOW), Schon invited Pineda to audition for the biggest gig of his life.

Don’t Stop Believin’ follows the parallel journeys of a nearly 40-year-old iconic rock band and an unknown homeless singer/songwriter, whose fortunes change dramatically when their paths finally cross.

Director Ramona Diaz and her crew earn the trust of their subjects, as well as an all-access pass to this remarkable backstage story. Her cameras capture Pineda’s gentle spirit as well as his ever-present self-doubts about his ability to make the successful transition from 200-seat clubs to sellout crowds in 20,000-seat stadiums.

A great story, outstanding cinematography and a wealth of kick-ass performance footage make this a ‘Must-See’ SILVERDOCS film.

Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey (USA) 113 minutes
Sunday, June 24 12:15pm.

More information and purchase tickets here.

Directions.

LINKS:

Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey’s website.
Arnel Pineda’s Official Website.
Journey’s website.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89_2UivtEhs

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Bari Biern
Bari Biern is an actress/playwright/lyricist whose first musical, 'A Dance Against Darkness: Living with AIDS' (with composer Roy Barber) was nominated for Helen Hayes Awards as Outstanding New Play and Outstanding Resident Musical. She wrote the lyrics for 'Riddle Me a Prince,' a children’s musical which premiered at Imagination Stage, with book by Ernie Joselovitz and Harry Bagdasian, and music by Emmy Award winner, Lenny Williams. She contributes lyrics to the political satire troupe, the Capitol Steps, and has been performing with them since 1993. Bari was the lyricist for the critically-acclaimed In Series production of 'The Marriage of Figaro: Las Vegas Version.' That opera (with dialogue by Elizabeth Pringle) was presented by Philadelphia’s Poor Richard’s Opera Company as part of the 2010 Philly Fringe Festival. Poor Richard’s also presented 'Gianni Schicchi,' featuring Bari’s English libretto. In 2011, Bari was the librettist for WAM2, a co-production of the In Series and the Washington Ballet. She also wrote the script for the In Series’ 'Arlen Blues & Berlin Ballads,' which premiered earlier this year. Bari has reviewed theatre and film in the DC area for WAMU-FM’s Metro Connection.

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