Beat Keepers: The Next Chapter, 43min., Canada

Directed by Cindy Goldberg

A powerful and inspiring documentary that follows a group of talented female drummers as they unite for a life-changing three-day retreat in Dallas, Texas. Through the raw energy of rhythm, unwavering mutual support, and a shared passion for music, these women forge deep, lasting connections and celebrate the transformative power of music to heal, empower, and unite.

Review by Julie Sheppard:

The documentary short, Beat Keepers, is subtitled Women With Rhythm which is, pardon the pun, bang on. We are introduced to a wide range of fascinating, diverse and talented women of all ages showing their true love for rhythm and drumming.

The film makes use of attractive CGI titles and framing throughout, often using pink hues in line with the fight against breast cancer. But it is hearing from the women themselves and their stories of survival, and their unity of sharing both a common love for drumming in conjunction with the fundraising event for breast cancer research, that makes this film so memorable.

This doc captures the vitality of the women present, even those virtually recorded, who show their skill for drumming, at various stages of experience, each with a slightly different style, from rapid fire rock to more chill and jazzy. The cinematography veers so close, you can almost feel the sticks hitting the drums. The camera also captures the sheer joy and excitement radiating off the faces of the drummers in action.

This project does an excellent job of elucidating the bias and discrimination that women have experienced over the years: being discouraged from drumming simply because they were women. Fortunately, this seems to be changing as women are getting far more confident to step up and play now, given groups such as this one. The 3-day drumming event has provided these women with an artistic outlet, but also the ability to release any challenges and frustrations that life has thrown at them, in a positive, productive manner.

Of course, given the thrust of the film, music is central and the recordings in the studio and outdoors are superb. When all is said and done, the viewer hopes that this will be a successful recurring event, and the beat will go on!

https://www.wildsound.ca/videos/audience-feedback-beat-keepers

HIGHLIGHTS: May 2025 DOCUMENTARY Festival