For a generation of Canadians, life revolved around Much Music. As kids, they would rush home from school to watch the crazy VJs introduce the latest music videos by their favourite artists. Many created video-mixed tapes featuring the likes of Def Leppard, Madonna, Prince, Run DMC, and others.
Those who attend this year's Windsor International Film Festival can find out the real story behind the revolutionary music TV channel, how it originated and its cultural impact.
299 Queen Street West, directed by documentarian Sean Menard, will be screened on the final night, with special guests VJs Rick Campanelli and Erica Ehm hosting a special discussion and Q&A session after the film.
"WIFF is a celebration of film and culture, and what better way to wrap up the 19th festival than with a documentary about one of the most culturally significant media programs in Canadian history," said Executive Director and Chief Programmer Vincent Georgie.
Menard gained unprecedented access to the Much Music archives to tell the story of a television upstart from the perspective of those in front of the camera.
None of the VJs at the iconic street-level studio in Toronto had prior television experience and were given no scripts and no direction before debuting live across the country.
Much Music's rise in popularity intersected with rap music entering the mainstream, the birth of grunge and alternative rock.
This year's festival runs from Thursday, October 26, until Sunday, November 5.
Tickets for 299 Queen Street West are on sale online now, and WIFF will present its full lineup on October 5.
