By Dirk Langeveld

NORWALK — Power Ballad, described as a “feel-good story about music, friendship, and ambition,” will have its East Coast premiere this weekend at the Norwalk Film Festival.

The screening will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 21st, at District Music Hall in Norwalk. This event will give audiences an early opportunity to see the film, which will be released nationally by Lionsgate on June 5th.

“Crowd-pleasing film”

Power Ballad follows two musicians who are seemingly past their prime, the unlikely friendship that forms between them, and a dispute that threatens to tear their lives apart. Rick (played by Paul Rudd) has settled down in Ireland and is working as a wedding singer after leaving his previous band during a world tour. Danny Wilson (played by Nick Jonas) is a former boy band star struggling to get his solo career off the ground.

When the two meet at a wedding, they bond over a music session and work to create a song together. The tune becomes a hit for Danny, reigniting his career, but Rick is left uncredited. He subsequently sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves.

The film was directed by John Carney, who co-wrote it with Peter McDonald. Carney has led several musical comedy-dramas, including Once, Begin Again, and Sing Street.

“The Norwalk Film Festival is so excited to have Power Ballad as part of our festival this year. It is exactly the kind of crowd‑pleasing film we love bringing to Norwalk,” said Sean Fox, president of the Norwalk Film Festival. “Led by director John Carney, stars like Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas give exceptional performances, supported by a compelling story and excellent music.”

Power Ballad debuted on March 1st at the Dublin International Film Festival, and had its North American premiere at SXSW on March 14th

A weekend of film

The Norwalk Film Festival, now in its sixth year, will run from Friday, March 20th through Sunday, March 21st. Each day will feature narrative and documentary films, filmmaker conversations, workshops, and special events in Norwalk’s Wall Street Arts & Culture District.

Feature-length films will culminate each day of the festival. In addition to Power Ballad, these films include Little Richard: I am Everything at 6:30 p.m. on Friday at the Norwalk Conservatory’s Riverview Theater and Bloom at 1 p.m. on Sunday at District Music Hall.

Little Richard: I am Everything focuses on the life and career of the late singer and songwriter who has been celebrated as a trailblazer in the rock and roll genre. The film will be followed by a conversation between director Lisa Corés and filmmaker Trey Ellis.

Bloom, presented in partnership with Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, is a documentary on maternal health. In particular, it focuses on the role doulas play in bridging gaps in medical care and helping safeguard against trauma, especially with Black mothers. A discussion with local health advocates will take place after the screening.

Short film screenings will take place between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, culminating in an audience awards presentation. Workshops will include sessions on hair and makeup for film, costume design, and props, as well the intensive four-part series workshop Norwalk Film Works on the day-to-day practice of filmmaking.

For tickets and more information, visit norwalkfilmfestival.org.

Expanded coverage of Fairfield County cultural events is made possible with support from the Fairfield University Quick Center for the Arts.

Dirk Langeveld

^{_{Dirk Langeveld has worked as a news reporter, content marketing specialist, and freelance writer. He is the author of “The Artful Dodger: The 20-Year Pursuit of World War I Draft Dodger Grover Cleveland Bergdoll” and has contributed to several books on Connecticut history.}}