For almost every year since 2008, the Minneapolis-St. Paul Film Society has taken over the theater formerly known as St. Anthony Main for the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival (MSPIFF). The 41st annual festival (May 5-19) also marks a new beginning. St. Anthony Main Theater has transformed into MSP Film at The Main, and the film society will now operate its five screens year round.

Festival attendees can still expect the theater's neighborhood charm and MSPIFF's huge array of options, which number more than 200 films from 80-plus countries. What will be new is a renovated building, including new paint, bathrooms, screens, concession options, and sound equipment, the latter of which is perfect to enjoy the eight films we picked especially for music lovers.

The lineup includes documentaries on Courtney Barnett, the Middle East's first all-female thrash metal band, and the youngest act to perform at the Vans Warped Tour. So take a look, mark your calendar, and buy your tickets before your seat gets taken.

Anonymous Club

In-person showings May 6 and 12 (both at the Main).

Singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett is known for her brilliant lyrics, combining witty turns of phrase with unparalleled specificity, a deadpan voice, and blunt vulnerability. Keeping an audio diary of her thoughts, though? That terrified her. This documentary couples her reflections with a three-year visual of her life, on the road and off, all on 16mm filmed by friend and collaborator Danny Cohen. Fans will get a raw look at a singer who already bares her soul for the world. The question she poses this time, however, is whether the cost of performing is worth it.

Casablanca Beats

Available virtually May 6-19; in-person showings May 7 and 11 (both at the Main).

Casablanca Beats is inspired by the lives of current and former students of a cultural center that director Nabil Ayouch helped co-found in Casablanca's Sidi Moumen town, and he uses some of those same dancers and hip-hop artists as actors. In his story, a new teacher comes to the center and introduces its students to hip-hop, creating tension between the students and their community as they chafe against the town's conservative culture.

Leadbelly

In-person showings May 13 (Landmark Center) and May 14 (the Main).

The late Gordon Parks' reputation precedes him as the first African American to produce and direct major Hollywood films and as an eminent photojournalist in the 1940s through '70s, shining light on civil rights issues, poverty, and Black lives. (He also lived out his teen years in St. Paul.) This year, the festival is bringing back his 1976 biopic of blues singer Huddie "Leadbelly" Ledbetter. Roger E. Mosley plays the title role of Leadbelly as he goes from playing in a brothel to hoping his music will save him from incarceration, all amid a society that discriminatorily punished Black people.

Each showing will be followed by a discussion featuring veteran filmmaker Kokayi Ampah, who has worked as a location manager on such films as The Color Purple, The Shawshank Redemption, and Million Dollar Baby.

Magnetic Beats

Available virtually May 6-19; in-person showings May 10 (the Main), 14 (the Main), and 16 (Landmark Center).

It's the early 1980s, and Jérome and Philippe are running an immensely popular electronic music show on the pirate radio waves in Brittany. While Jérome is the older brother, the show's front man, and the romance guy—Philippe may be in love with Jérome's girlfriend—it's the little brother who is called up to military duty in Berlin. Philippe is scared of missing out on his life back home, but what if Berlin's army radio station is where he can finally own his own voice?

Mija

Available virtually May 6-19; in-person showings May 14 (Landmark Center) and May 18 (the Main).

In this young-adult-friendly documentary directed by four-time Emmy nominee Isabel Castro, Doris Muñoz reflects on some of the early moments that defined who she was and is: a first-generation, Mexican American indie music manager. Doris' young adult years were marked by balancing her own ambitions in the music industry, including the launch of pop star Cuco, and the duty she had to her family as they worked toward permanent residency status, stability, and being able to safely visit their relatives in Mexico.

Shaft

In-person showing May 12 (Capri Theater).

Speaking of Gordon Parks, while his most-known film’s plot doesn't have to do with music, it does feature legendary work by Isaac Hayes, who penned the Oscar-winning original song, "Theme from Shaft." Hayes became the first Black person to win best original song and the first Black winner in any non-acting Oscar category. Check out his performance at the 1972 Oscars, and then buckle up for the rest of his funky tunes in this private detective movie.

The showing will be followed by a discussion featuring MSPIFF programmer and filmmaker Craig Laurence Rice (Half Past Autumn: The Life and Works of Gordon Parks, Purple Rain, Graffiti Bridge, Brother from Another Planet, Joe Somebody).

Sirens

In-person showings May 13 and 18 (both at the Main).

This documentary tells the story of Slave to Sirens, Beirut's—and the Middle East's—first all-female thrash metal band. The group was built upon the bond between guitarists Lilas and Sherry, but the band has to survive the unrest after the 2020 port explosions and the complex relationship between its founders.

Yung Punx: A Punk Parable

Available virtually May 6-19; in-person showings May 7 and 19 (both at the Main).

Self-described as a documentary "with a whiff of Spinal Tap," this family-friendly feature follows Color Killer, a pop punk band comprised of 8- to 12-year-old boys hailing from suburban Massachusetts. These kids have it all, from the vivid hair dye to the band (and school) drama. To add even more color to the film, Chris Parnell (SNL, 30 Rock, Archer) acts as family "therapist," chatting with the band's parents, who have to hold everything together as the band prepares to be the youngest act to ever perform at the Vans Warped Tour.

This feature is part of The Current’s 89 Days of Spring series, helping you enjoy the best of the season with weekly guides to events, entertainment, and recreation in the Twin Cities.