Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival presents the Canadian Premiere of The Ballad Of Judas Priest by directors Tom Morello and Sam Dunn.

Over the span of 50 years, Judas Priest pioneered and continues to define the heavy metal genre, releasing 19 studio albums and performing in sold-out arenas for one of the most dedicated band fan bases. A group of English blokes coming from working-class Birmingham, the band’s blistering message of rebellion resonated and popularity soared—but so did the voices of detractors, who falsely accused them of breaking the law and of embedding subliminal messages in their music amid the Satanic panic of the 1980s. Band members are keen to delve into their past, sharing previously unreleased material from their personal archives, but it’s frontman Rob Halford’s story of coming out on MTV and being met with acceptance that really showcases the inclusive spirit of metal. Co-director Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine gives the band their flowers in a film featuring rock royalty like Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters, Metallica’s Kirk Hammett, Run-DMC’s Darryl McDaniels, Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan and the late great Ozzy Osbourne.

cost: $20-$22 at Hot Docs

more info: Hot Docs