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

Support this film

Upstander Project is actively working on We Sing Nonetheless, a feature film that explores resilience and unity through music. With 38% of our $1.1 million goal raised, we need an additional $500,000 by November 20, 2024, to capture pivotal events this winter and complete a "rough cut" of the film. Your support is essential in helping us bring this story to life—thank you for considering a contribution to reach our goal!

As a special incentive, Nefesh Mountain and Upstander Project will be sending special thank you gifts to everyone who donates $54 or more by Nov 20, 2024.

Thank You Gifts

  • All donations $54 and above will receive a CD and digital download of the new Nefesh Mountain album

  • Thank you gifts will be sent out when the new album is released in early 2025

  • $54 - CD and digital download

  • $108 - T-shirt

  • $234 - Vinyl

  • $360 - Autographed CD (100 available)

  • $720 - "Special Thanks" short film credit

  • $1,080 - personalized video message from Doni and Eric (10 available)

  • $5,000 - "Coexecutive Producer" short film credit

  • $10,000 - "Executive Producer" short film credit

  • $20,000 - Zoom concert with Doni and Eric (only 2 concerts available!) for you and 90 guests

  • $25,000 - "Additional Funding By" feature film credit

  • $55,000 - "Contributing Producer" feature film credit

  • $77,000 - "Coexecutive Producer" feature film credit

  • $110,000 - "Executive Producer" feature film credit

  • $200,000 - in-person private concert with Doni and Eric & "Executive Producer" feature film credit ( 2 available)

 
 

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!