Young @ Heart Documentary Acquired by Fox Searchlight
Posted by Jay C on July 5th, 2007
Filed under: News
Last month, over on my personal blog, I posted about a group of feisty old folks who go by the name of ‘The Young @ Heart Chorus’. The idea isn’t really anything new; a group of unlikely folks singing covers of songs that play against their type. In this case, seniors taking on tracks from the likes of Sonic Youth, The Ramones, The Clash and…Coldplay! I’d come across some clips of one of their performances and must admit it was unbelievably moving. Upon some digging, I realized that these clips (featured below) were actually taken from a documentary shot for Britain’s Channel 4. Directed by Stephen Walker, the film follows the crew as they prepare for an upcoming performance. A sort of ‘Old School of Rock’ if you will. Here’s a short synopsis:
At an age when most people are either dead or living out their last days in retirement homes, these men and women are up on stage singing their hearts out about the big taboos surrounding old age: about love and sex, loss of youth, loneliness and death. In their mouths, familiar lyrics take on whole new meanings.
After unsuccessfully searching around Google Video for a full length upload of the film, i’m delighted to hear that Fox Searchlight has actually picked up ‘Young @ Heart’ for North American distribution. This is great news for both me and Stephen Walker, as this is the first documentary Searchlight has acquired in ten years! Quite the honour. This news comes to us from MovieWeb, but details are still sparce. As of now there’s no mention of a theatrical release date or dvd plans, so we’ll just have to be patient and see what comes of this. Until then, check out the clips below and let us know what you think.
Related Link: MovieWeb - Fox Searchlight Acquires Young @ Heart Documentary
Video: Young at Heart Choir sing ‘Fix You’ by Coldplay
Video: Young at Heart Choir sing ‘Schizophrenia’ by Sonic Youth
Trip on 
October 9th, 2007 22:19
Thanks for posting this info! I saw the YouTube clip of the Coldplay song on another blog and was really moved by the story and performance. I cannot wait to get the DVD when it comes out and see the entire film!
January 25th, 2008 21:13
Saw the doc film at Sundance, Jan’08. I’m truly moved and inspired, and now I know for sure what I want to do when I “grow up.” Thank you Young @ Heart, and thanks to Bob Cilman.
February 4th, 2008 07:20
I am amazed .
I am actually looking for a piece of music called Young at Heart to put to some pictures We have taken on our ski holiday with a group of like minded people average age 70 who started skiing arround 50 years old .Can you help ?It is to be shown at an octogenarian party for 3 of the group and they all still ski.
The film is quite a revellation and produces a lot of potential for hope as well as being very moving.
April 1st, 2008 16:46
As a local Northampton resident I’m obviously thrilled for this new Documentary movie release…however, did you know that the very first Young@Heart Chorus Documentary was made by a local Northampton, MA Documentary Filmmaker named Barbara Allen?
You can view a clip of it here:
http://www.youngatheartchorus.net
April 11th, 2008 19:10
There certainly is a lot of hype about Young@Heart and I saw them on TV. However, no where do I see where I can purchase it. Does anybody know?
In fact, I see documentaries advertised from time-to-time and would like to get some, but again, what is the secret?
Thanks.
April 16th, 2008 19:48
I learned about the earlier years of the chorus from an amazing film, Forever Young At Heart. go to http://www.youngatheartchorus.net to get it!
April 16th, 2008 20:33
Hey, I also saw that film a few years ago! It was fantastic. Check it out!
April 23rd, 2008 09:28
While the recent Young @ Heart film is not out on DVD, the original documentary is. This film entitled Forever Young, by Northampton filmmaker Barbara Allen, received rave reviews when it was released in 2000. I was so moved by the film I bought copies for my parents and in-laws to inspire them!
Check it out at http://www.youngatheartchorus.net
May 3rd, 2008 14:41
Absolutely fabulous and uplifting. that version of Fix You undoubtedly makes Cold Play very proud. This is a must-see. A feel-VERY-good movie. Thank you!
May 25th, 2008 19:20
just seen the film today, may 25th and thought it was fantastic.very moving and sad in parts, but that is life.