The documentary "Shooglenifty: Radical Mestizo" explores the history of the Scottish folk band Shooglenifty and pays tribute to their late frontman and fiddler, Angus G Grant.
In addition, "I Get Knocked Down, But I Get Up Again: The Chumbawamba Story" is a funny yet sweet documentary about the anarchist indie band Chumbawamba that portrays its co-director, Dunstan Bruce, as a "washed up, rinsed out retired radical" who is struggling with feelings of powerlessness in the face of climate change.
The documentary about Shooglenifty revolves around the band's journey from being a group of street musicians to becoming one of Scotland's most successful folk bands.
The director, Simon Sheridan, shows how they blended traditional music with rock and jazz influences to create a new sound, which they called "acid croft.
" The film also touches on their collaborations with artists from around the world, reflecting their belief in the idea of "radical mestizo", a concept that describes a mixing of cultures to create something new.
The documentary about Chumbawamba, on the other hand, is a playful exploration of the band's history, interspersed with interviews, footage of live performances and snippets of their music videos.
The Guardian reviewer acknowledges that their perception of the band was negative at first, but the film has managed to change their mind: "Funny and surprisingly sweet" is how they describe it.
The film portrays Dunstan Bruce as more than just a former band member but as someone who is still committed to social change, despite his doubts, and someone who is still learning from his mistakes.
In both cases, the documentaries are less about biography, and more about the bands' musical and political journeys.
The Shooglenifty story is primarily one of cross-cultural experimentation, while the Chumbawamba documentary is more about exploring the ideals of anarchism and radicalism, and how they were expressed in the band's music.