Disney and Pixar's new animated feature 'Soul' will close the 47th edition of Film Fest Ghent
What makes you... YOU? For Soul's main character, Joe Gardner, music is the jewel in the crown of life. As a middle-school band teacher he is offered the chance of a lifetime to play at the Half Note Club (the most famous jazz club in town). But one small misstep takes him from the streets of New York City to The Great Before, a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities, quirks and interests before they go to Earth. Determined to return to his life, Joe teams up with a precocious soul, 22 (voice of Tina Fey), who has never understood the appeal of the human experience. As Joe desperately tries to show 22 what’s great about living, he may just discover the answers to some of life’s most important questions.
The deeply resonant film is another example of Pixar's tradition of grappling with major themes while maintaining a buoyant spirit filled with humor and fun. Previous examples of Pixar's ability to serve up emotionally powerful yet universally relatable films include Up and Inside Out. Unsurprisingly, these were also directed by Soul's helmer, Pete Docter. Joe Gardner's voice is delivered by actor and musician Jamie Foxx, who previously played the role of musicians Ray Charles (Ray) and Nathaniel Ayers (The Soloist). The film is produced by Dana Murray. Composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, who previously received an Oscar for their music in The Social Network and who are nominated for this year's World Soundtrack Award for Best Television Composer of the Year with their music for the Watchmen series (for which they recently received an Emmy Award) provided the original music for the film. Peter Docter's latest work embalms your soul, is a delight to the eyes and ears and consequently a wonderful closing film for the 47th edition of Film Fest Ghent.
Soul will be screened as the closing film of Film Fest Ghent 2020 on Friday 23 October. Buy your tickets here!