Conor Oberst is a filmmaker now. The longtime Bright Eyes frontman recently got together with fellow musician Shawn Foree, of Digital Leather, to direct Invention 13, a new short film that'll debut at LA's Beyond Fest later this month. It's the directorial debut for both Oberst and Foree. Phoebe Bridgers is involved.
Here's how a press release describes the picture: "Invention 13 takes place on a cold, windy night, when a frustrated pianist encounters strange obstacles while trying to learn Bach’s notoriously intricate Invention." The cast includes Emory Cohen from Rebel Ridge and Marty Supreme, as well as pro skater Nelly Morville and first-time actor Olivia Howard. Oberst's Better Community Oblivion Center bandmate Phoebe Bridgers, all set to make her much-anticipated feature debut in Primetime, has a voiceover role, though we don't know how extensive it is.
Oberst and Foree shot Invention 13 on 16mm film in Omaha over a few very cold days last January, and they had a crew of 40 people and three dogs. The film has practical effects, hand-drawn animation, and a score from Oberst's Bright Eyes bandmate Nathaniel Walcott. It doesn't have a trailer or anything, but the stills look pretty cool.
Invention 13 will premiere at 9/26 at Hollywood's Egyptian Theater. The event will also include a screening of the 1977 Japanese horror movie Hausu and musician and comedian Whitmer Thomas moderating a Q&A with Oberst and Foree. You can get tickets here.
