X JAPAN ANNOUNCE THREE SCREENINGS OF AWARD-WINNING DOCUMENTARY FILM

‘WE ARE X’
AT SXSW FILM FESTIVAL IN AUSTIN, TX:
FRIDAY, MARCH 11 (Satellite venue: Marchesa, 6:30p)
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16 (Topfer Theater-Zach, 10:45a)
FRIDAY, MARCH 18 (Paramount Theatre, 5:30p)

Yoshiki To Perform Live At The Paramount Theatre On Friday, March 18
Immediately Following The Screening Of ‘WE ARE X’

‘WE ARE X’ WINS WORLD CINEMA DOCUMENTARY SPECIAL JURY AWARD FOR “BEST EDITING” AT 2016 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL

The award-winning, new documentary on the Japanese rock group X JAPAN titled ‘WE ARE X’–from Passion Pictures–has been accepted to the SXSW Film Festival in Austin, TX. Today, Passion Pictures has announced there will be three screenings as part of the SXSW Film Festival’s “24 Beats Per Second” which showcases the sounds, culture and influence of music and musicians with an emphasis on documentary and is open to both music and film badgeholders.

The three screenings of ‘WE ARE X’ at SXSW 2016 include
‘WE ARE X’ Screenings (open to music and film badges)
FRI 3/11 6:30PM Satellite Venue: Marchesa (6226 Middle Fiskville Rd)
WED 3/16 10:45AM Topfer Theatre at Zach (1510 Toomey Rd)
FRI 3/18 5:30PM Paramount Theatre (713 Congress Ave)

On Friday, March 18 at 7:15pm immediately following the ‘WE ARE X’ screening at the Paramount Theatre, YOSHIKI–songwriter, drummer, classically-trained pianist and the creative force of X JAPAN will perform classical versions of X JAPAN’s songs with a string quartet live on stage. Tickets for YOSHIKI’s 7:15pm performance are available in advance (here) and at the Paramount Theatre box office.
https://tickets.austintheatre.org/single/eventDetail.aspx?p=1207

‘WE ARE X’ was produced by John Battsek of Passion Pictures, producer of two Academy Award-winning documentaries (Searching For SugarMan, One Day In September), and directed by Stephen Kijak (Stones In Exile, Scott Walker: 30th Century Man). The film won the Special Jury Award for “Best Editing” at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival Awards (Jan. 20) in Park City, UT. ‘WE ARE X’–edited by Mako Kamitsuna and John Maringuoin and assisted by June Okada–earned rousing ovations during its six Sundance screenings throughout film festival.

‘WE ARE X’ explores the evolution, groundbreaking history and hopeful future of the land of the rising sun’s most culturally significant and legendary rock group. From X JAPAN’s massive success (over 30 million albums, singles and videos sold) and sold-out tours worldwide, ‘WE ARE X’ chronicles the triumphs and tragedies of this legendary quintet who will never give up and continue to tour the world performing sold-out shows to massive arenas in 16 countries throughout the U.S. and Europe.

One of Japan’s most influential music critics, Mr. Yuichi Masuda noted of the iconic group, “Not only did they change the music scene, but they changed the whole culture. We use the words “Pre-era” and “Post-era” such as “Before X” and “After X.” That’s how much they changed and influenced everything. X challenged a conservative Japanese society and showed us a new way to be. They started a revolution.”

Japan’s most iconic rock band, X JAPAN initially split up in 1997 after playing their fifth New Year’s Eve show at the 55,000-capacity Tokyo Dome; they have now sold out the Tokyo Dome a record 18 times. The group reformed in 2007 and have released three singles: “I.V.” in 2008, “Jade” in 2011 and “Born To Be Free” in late 2015. They’ve been touring worldwide ever since and in October 2014, the group performed their debut Madison Square Garden show in New York before announcing the new album and ‘WE ARE X’ film releases slated for 2016.

X JAPAN–YOSHIKI (drums/piano/composer), TOSHI (vocals), PATA (guitar), HEATH (bass), SUGIZO (violin/guitar) alongside their fallen brothers HIDE (guitars, 1987-1997) and TAIJI (1986-1992)–are currently laying down tracks in a Los Angeles studio for their as-yet-untitled album, which is due for a worldwide release in late 2016.

X JAPAN’s ‘WE ARE X’ At SXSW in Austin, TX
DATE TIME VENUE
‘WE ARE X’ Screenings (open to music and film badges)
FRI 3/11 6:30PM Satellite Venue: Marchesa (6226 Middle Fiskville Rd)
WED 3/16 10:45AM Topfer Theatre at ZACH (1510 Toomey Rd)
FRI 3/18 5:30PM Paramount Theatre (713 Congress Ave)
YOSHIKI Live Performance (open to music and film badges)
FRI 3/18 7:15PM Paramount Theatre (713 Congress Ave)
For Tickets https://tickets.austintheatre.org/single/eventDetail.aspx?p=1207

X JAPAN
Official Website: http://www.xjapanmusic.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/XJapan
Twitter: http://twitter.com/xjapanofficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/XJAPANpodcast
Nico Nico Channel: http://ch.nicovideo.jp/xjapanofficial/

YOSHIKI
Official Website: http://www.yoshiki.net
Facebook: http://facebook.com/YoshikiOfficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/YOSHIKIOfficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/yoshikiofficial
Nico Nico Channel: http://ch.nicovideo.jp/yoshikiofficial

SXSW,X JAPAN,YOSHIKI