Formed in 1971, Big Star recorded a mere three albums before disbanding in 1974. However, their legendary influence and the impact of their style belies their lack of commercial success and has elevated the band to mythic status. Tracing the history of the band, and the power-pop branches of Big Star’s family tree, the documentary revels in spirited interviews, scarcely seen archival footage, and appearances by Michael Stipe, Tift Merritt, Robyn Hitchcock, Matthew Sweet, and Django Haskins, among others. A reverent celebration of music and memory, the film affirms that the light from Big Star has traveled many years and is still reaching us.  TM

Special performance preceding screening by the Fellow Travellers, featuring Skylar Gudasz, Brett Harris, Django Haskins, Chris Stamey, and other guests, singing a selection of Big Star songs, including original string-quartet arrangements from the third album, Sister Lovers.