Musicwood

The acoustic guitar has been involved in some of the most magnificent recordings ever made. Its gorgeous vibrations have been heard in a wide variety of genres, from classical, folk, and country, to rock, pop, and R&B. It's even been sampled in hip-hop and electronic music. But the quality of sound depends on one thing: the wood. Turns out, the trees that produce it are in serious danger, due to a logging practice known as clearcutting. In this riveting and beautifully shot documentary, owners of the top guitar companies unite with Greenpeace to find an agreeable solution. They travel to Southeast Alaska to experience the controversial practices firsthand. There they hope to convince the Native American landowners to find a more sustainable approach. Their attempts meet resistance from a distrustful people still reeling from the effects of America's sordid past with Native Americans. With appearances from Steve Earle, Yo La Teng, Kaki King and The Antlers, MUSICWOOD celebrates the legacy of the acoustic guitar and chronicles the ongoing fight to save it. – E.F.