REVOLUTION HAS A SOUND IN THE POWERFUL NEW DOCUMENTARY SERIES "REBEL MUSIC" DEBUTING NOVEMBER 18 ON mtvU
Six-Episode Series by MTV World and Executive Producer Shepard Fairey Spotlights Youth Uprising and Using the Power of Music to Ignite Change in Egypt, India, Israel/Palestine, Afghanistan and More
New York, NY (October 24, 2013) - MTV World, a division of Viacom Media Networks USA, today announced that it will premiere "Rebel Music," a thought-provoking new documentary series about musicians and artists in areas of conflict on mtvU, MTV's 24-hour college channel, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on Monday, November 18. The six-episode, 30-minute series examines the lives of young people using art and music to spark change around the world.
The first two episodes of the series will premiere on November 18, with the remaining four episodes debuting weekly on mtvU and RebelMusic.com. Each episode of "Rebel Music" spotlights a different area grappling with elements of social injustice, from the revolution in Egypt, to sexual oppression India, and to a Mexican drug harbor struggling to reinvent itself as a cultural haven. The series was created and executive produced by Nusrat Durrani, Senior Vice President/General Manager of MTV World and executive produced by acclaimed artist and activist Shepard Fairey, who also created the visual identity for "Rebel Music." To watch a preview of the series, visit RebelMusic.com, which will also feature exclusive bonus content and real-time news, bringing the audience directly into the conversation.
"Rebel Music mirrors the approach and philosophy I've embraced throughout my entire career - art as a catalyst for social change. MTV World has the ability to reach and give voices to young people around the world on a scale unlike a lot of other platforms, and it's something to applaud," said Shepard Fairey. "Rebel Music is reporting on very important content and ideas that remind people of the power of the combination of music, art, and activism. I'm excited to be working with the Rebel Music team on such a vital project for today's generation."
"Rebel Music gives audiences a unique 'on the ground' perspective of how young people around the world are fighting for peace and change in some of the world's most dangerous regions," said Nusrat Durrani, Senior Vice President and General Manager of MTV World. "These inspiring stories will resonate with American audiences and help them see these countries in a new light, hopefully with more empathy and optimism."
The six episodes of "Rebel Music" include:
"Egypt" (premieres November 18, 9:00 p.m. ET/PT): On the first anniversary of the new Egyptian president Morsi's election, 33 million people took to the streets in the largest protest in history. "Rebel Music Egypt" introduces audiences to the brave civilians using protest songs and social media to revolutionize the mindsets that tainted their nation's past.
"Afghanistan" (premieres November 18, 9:30 p.m. ET/PT): "Rebel Music Afghanistan" sheds light on the young students and artists who are risking their lives by engaging in small acts of defiance - which include a young woman documenting her experience as she fights for her right to ride a bicycle, the first female rapper in Afghanistan who continues to sing despite death threats to her family, and a group of heavy metal rockers who refuse to stop playing their music. Going beyond the war-torn media headlines, these brave young optimists give audiences a glimpse into a rich culture evolving under intense pressure.
"Mali"(premieres November 25, 9:00 p.m. ET/PT): Mali, once the bustling center of West African music, sits on the brink of civil war. As radical Islamist groups clash with the government and the country reels from France's withdrawal of fiscal and military support, its citizens are under siege. "Rebel Music Mali" examines a defiant generation of musicians in Bamako who are rising up and rallying their countrymen for a return to democracy and freedom.
"India" (premieres December 2, 9:00 p.m. ET/PT): As shocking reports of rape in India continue to make international news, "Rebel Music India" focuses on the youth movement rising up against sexual violence. From working to change the media representations of women to ensuring their safety on the streets, artists, activists, rape survivors and civilians are fighting to end the systemic oppression of Indian women today.
"Israel/Palestine" (premieres December 9, 9:00 p.m. ET/PT): "Rebel Music Israel/Palestine" goes beyond newspaper headlines to tell the stories of musicians on both sides of the struggle who aim to build bridges of peace through their troubled, yet inspiring land. They embody the spirit of music as a unifying force strong enough to withstand violence and enmity.
"Mexico" (premieres December 16, 9:00 p.m. ET/PT): Tijuana, a town once known for its vibrant nightlife, has become a war zone plagued by drug-related violence after the 9/11 terrorist attacks shook up the global economy. Working to reclaim their city, local artists use their creativity to confront the issues and bring back a sense of cultural pride.
Apart from executive producers Nusrat Durrani and Shepard Fairey, the "Rebel Music" team includes Academy Award winner Ross Kauffman as Consulting Producer for the series and Cinematographer for the India and Mali episodes, Raeshem Nijhon as Series Producer and Co-Director for the India, Afghanistan and Israel-Palestine episodes, Maria Cataldo as Post Producer and Supervising Series Editor, and Mikhail Galustov as Cinematographer for the Afghanistan, Israel/Palestine and Egypt episodes. Nusrat Durrani also acted as a Co-Director for the India, Egypt, Afghanistan and Mexico episodes. Simon Ostrovsky Co-Directed the Israel/Palestine and Egypt episodes. Roye Segal is a Co-Director for the Mexico episode, and Ben Herson acted as Director for the Mali episode.
For more on "Rebel Music", visit the program's Web site, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram accounts. For more information on mtvU, please visit mtvU.com or MTVPress.com.
About MTV World
MTV World is Viacom's innovation and content engine that connects global minded American Millennials with music and pop culture trends and creates original programming for targeted audiences across multi-platform brands. It also creates original content and programs for strategic partners. MTV World is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA).
About mtvU
Broadcast to more than 750 college campuses as well as via top cable distributors in 700 college communities nationwide, mtvU reaches nearly 9 million U.S. college students - making it the largest, most comprehensive television network just for college students. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, mtvU can be seen in the dining areas, fitness centers, student lounges and dorm rooms of campuses throughout the U.S., as well as on cable systems from Charter Communications, Verizon FiOS TV, Suddenlink Communications, AT&T u-Verse and nearly 70 others. mtvU is dedicated to every aspect of college life, reaching students everywhere they are: on-air, online and on the campus. mtvU airs music videos from emerging artists that can't be seen anywhere else, news, student life features and initiatives that give college students the tools to advance positive social change. mtvU is always on campus, with hundreds of events per year, including exclusive concerts, giveaways, shooting mtvU series and more. For more information about mtvU, and a complete programming schedule, visit www.mtvU.com.
|