Anyone who has ever been a fan of a band, no matter the genre, will appreciate the dedication filmmakers Gisella Albertini, Massimo Scocca, and Nicolas Drolc took to capture the essence of a time integral to one band’s career. Anyone who has ever been a fan of the Country Teasers, however, will be especially captivated by the treasure trove of video recordings and the unparalleled insight into that special time in “This Film Should Not Exist.”
Approximately half of “This Film Should Not Exist” features rare video footage of the Country Teasers during the 1990s.
Captured by Albertini and Scocca with a borrowed Video 8 camera, the duo followed the Scotland formed art punk band for a week in 1995 during the Country Teasers/Oblivians tour. The footage, which had been tucked away for nearly 20 years, is an incredible time capsule of the band’s early days.
While there is a lot of archival concert footage packed into this 95 minute film, it is an engrossing experience and provides a unique perspective on what it was like to see the band live.
For viewers who may have been absorbed in other music scenes around the mid 90s, being transported into the world of country-post punk is like a total brain shake. It’s a bit jarring at first but also like having the coolest most memorable dream ever—perhaps you didn’t know you wanted to experience it, but after the dream or performance ends, you’re certainly glad that you did as you’ve never experienced anything quite like it before.
This concert footage along with the band’s retrospective commentary makes “This Film Should Not Exist” a winning combination.
The reflections by former band member Simon Stephens and frontman Ben Wallers are transparent and heartfelt. Viewers are able to not only experience the Country Teasers from a fan perspective but also gain a little understanding of what it might have been like to actually be in the band at the time too.
And perhaps that’s what every great music documentary or documentary in general should strive for, the act of making the viewer feel present.
After watching “This Film Should Not Exist,” we’re grateful Gisella Albertini, Massimo Scocca, and Nicolas Drolc gave us that chance to go back in time and be present for the beginning days of the uniquely wonderful and one of a kind Country Teasers.
See “This Film Should Not Exist” screening during the special Melbourne Documentary Film Festival Online now through August 2nd. For more information visit: mdff.org.au.
