As we emerge on the other side of the long film festival season and move into awards season, Damien Chazelle’s Whiplash has been drumming up (sorry) so much good publicity that it isn’t crazy to think the 29-year-old filmmaker may be holding his first golden statue in a few months time. About an aspiring jazz drummer (Miles Teller) and his relentless, reprehensible teacher (J.K. Simmons), the film (out now in limited release, with a wider release this Friday) has been one of the most critically acclaimed of the year, and one of my personal favorites.

While in San Francisco for the Mill Valley Film Festival, I spoke with Damien about pummeling audiences into submission with drum solos; Teller and Simmons’ performances; films being too narrative-focused; what he’s doing next, and more. Check the full interview out below!

Whiplash Interview: Damien Chazelle

On Sunday night, Ingoma Nshya–Rwanda’s first female drum troupe and subjects of the wonderful documentary Sweet Dreams–filled the San Rafael Film Center in California with thunderous music, to the delight of the packed house in attendance. Traveling thousands of miles to the Bay Area to spread the word about the film (directed by siblings Lisa and Rob Fruchtman), the visit was a more raucous and invigorating affair than the typical screening/Q&A event.

Following the troupe’s journey to open Rwanda’s first ice cream shop (spearheaded by the group’s matron, Kiki Katese, with the help of the good folks at Brooklyn’s Blue Marble Ice Cream) Sweet Dreams takes three ostensibly disparate elements–ice cream, drumming, and the Rwandan genocide–and churns them together to make a seamless, perfectly balanced story of hope in the wake of devastation. For my full thoughts on the film, check out our review.

Earlier in the night, the film was introduced by a Bay Area music legend, Mickey Hart of the Gratetful Dead, who gushed about the film and expressed his shared “drummer’s spirit” with the troupe. Also in attendance were the Fruchmans, Katese, and Alexis Miesen and Jennie Dundas of Blue Marble (who also appear in the film). Following the film, the Ingoma Nshya drummers performed an amazing routine, and were even joined onstage by Hart, who held his own with the Rwandans as they walloped their drums ferociously and in perfect sync.

Remember to check out our interview with Lisa Fruchtman.

If you live in the Bay Area, there are still plenty of opportunities to see Sweet Dreams for yourself, including a screening TONIGHT in Berkeley:

Opera Plaza San Francisco, CA

Sweet Dreams will be playing at the Opera Plaza for an extended stay. Lisa Fruchtman will be attending most screenings. Stay tuned for updates.

Tues Dec 10, 7:00 PM
Q&A with Lisa Fruchtman

Thu Dec 12, 7:00 PM
Q&A with Lisa Fruchtman

Shattuck Cinema Berkeley, CA

Sweet Dreams will be playing at the Shattuck Cinema for an extended stay. Lisa Fruchtman will be attending most screenings. Stay tuned for updates.

Mon Dec 9, 7:10 PM
Q&A with Lisa Fruchtman

Wed Dec 11, 7:10 PM
Q&A with Lisa Fruchtman

San Rafael Film Center

Sun Dec 15, 7:00 PM

For more info on screenings, visit  sweetdreamsrwanda.com