Becoming Beacons: In the Studio with Nefesh Mountain

“Dolly Parton literally called them ‘God’s bluegrass band’ and I’m singing with them! It’s a lot of pressure.” - Doni Zasloff

Synopsis

In this short companion film to the upcoming feature documentary, We Sing Nonetheless, we go behind the scenes with Nefesh Mountain as they record their new Americana/Bluegrass album. Becoming Beacons is the newest film from Upstander Project where you will see what happens when a wife, husband and their toddler go to Nashville to make their album in the historic Sound Emporium recording studio. The band granted the filmmakers all access, revealing the ups and downs of parenting, marriage, and more as they take us on a musical exploration.

Film Details

  • Genre: Non-Fiction Short

  • Stage: Post-Production

Teaser

Meet the filmmaking team

  • Directors & Producers: Ben Pender-Cudlip & Adam Mazo

  • Editors: Kristen Salerno & Ben Pender-Cudlip

  • Cinematography: Rafael Roy, Ben Pender-Cudlip, & Kelin Verrette

  • Field Producer / Associate Producer / Location Sound: Kelin Verrette

  • Featured Performers: Erik Alvar (Bass), David Berger (Drums), Thomas Cassell (Mandolin), Danny Fox (Keys), Ben Plotnick (Fiddle), Sam Bush (Mandolin), Stuart Duncan (Fiddle), Jerry Douglas (Dobro), Rob McCoury (Banjo), Cody Kilby (Guitar), Mark Schatz (Bass)

  • Featured Participants: Doni Zasloff & Eric Lindberg

FAQ

Is this the film Upstander Project has been working on about Nefesh Mountain?

There are now two films! We didn’t want fans to have to wait any longer to watch the band in action. Becoming Beacons focuses on the band’s new album and is a companion to the upcoming feature film We Sing Nonetheless. The feature doc tracks the journey of the band before and after October 7th. Through Doni and Eric’s journey, together we are invited to explore the experience of being American and Jewish in this perilous moment in time.

When can I watch these two films?

The short film, Becoming Beacons, will be available in select online and in-person ‘work-in-progress’ screenings beginning in fall 2024. The film will screen at film festivals and stream online in 2025.

The feature documentary We Sing Nonetheless is slated to premiere in 2026.

We appreciate your support which makes these films possible!