System of a Down Frontman’s Film, Truth to Power, Premieres This Week

Truth to Power, the documentary made by System of a Down frontman Serj Tankian’s about how his work as an activist has tied into his career as a musician, will finally see the light of day this coming weekend at the Cannes virtual market.

A synopsis by the Tribeca Film Festival says that Truth to Power portrays Tankian’s “passion for human rights and activism. … Fueled by interviews with the band, their producers and fellow rock icons, [the film] is both an energizing rockumentary and an inspiring call to action for our turbulent times.”

A new trailer for the film, which you can watch below, features Tankian saying:

“Music changes our intuitive parts; music changes the way we feel about things. How we feel about things can overwhelm our logic. And our logic being a part of the process can change the world. But it requires people realizing that they have the power.”

Tankian’s bandmates John Dolmayan and Shavo Odadjian make appearances in the film, alongside System’s manager, David “Beno” Benveniste, Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello and legendary record maker Rick Rubin, who produced or co-produced all of the band’s albums.

Tankain has been in a bit of a public war of words with Dolmayan lately over their political beliefs. Dolmayan expressed his pro-Trump, coronavirus conspiracy theory, anti-Black Lives Matter, blatantly racist, and pro-cop opinions while Tankian called any Trump lovers in his band’s fanbase “hypocrites.” Dolmayan later said that fans with all beliefs are welcome in his audience, and Serj extended an olive branch as well.

[via Loudwire]