Filmmaker's Lost Tapes Reveal 90s Music Scene

Filmmaker Tamra Davis recently premiered 'The Best Summer' at Sundance, a documentary pieced together from tapes she shot during Australia's inaugural 1995 Summersault music festival. She discovered the footage, which had been stored away for three decades, while evacuating her Los Angeles home during recent fires. The tapes contain candid backstage interviews and early performances from bands such as Foo Fighters, Sonic Youth, Pavement, and Beck. Kathleen Hanna also features prominently, conducting informal interviews.

Davis, who initially set out to document her husband Mike D of the Beastie Boys' tour, found herself capturing a broader snapshot of the 90s alternative music scene. She was inspired to finally sort through the tapes after seeing how much early Foo Fighters footage she had. The film includes candid interactions, like asking Beck about his favorite color, and shows the chemistry between Kathleen Hanna and Adam Horovitz.

Obtaining music rights and band approvals was a significant undertaking, involving tracking down many artists after nearly 30 years. Davis pursued a do-it-yourself approach, self-financing the project to avoid executive interference and adhere to the musicians' notes. The film also incorporates footage from an MTV-sponsored tour in Asia, which adds a darker, more isolated perspective to the otherwise happy-go-lucky Australian tour diary.

'The Best Summer' has evoked emotional responses from the musicians, bringing back cherished memories of a past era. It also serves as a poignant reminder of those lost, including Kurt Cobain and Dave Grohl's friend Jimmy. For Davis, revisiting the footage offers a mature reflection on her past and reinforces her commitment to filmmaking, aiming to inspire future generations of female directors.