Athens, GA: Inside/Out

Athens, GA: Inside/Out was the creation of Tony Gayton, a first-time director who recently graduated from the University of Southern California. The film features interviews and concert footage of bands who were a part of the Athens music scene at the time, including R.E.M., Pylon, and The B-52s. The documentary also features interviews with folk artists Howard Finster and Rev. John D. Ruth, whose wife plays the pump organ. Athens poet John Seawright reads his work "I Broke My Saw" in the film. William "Ort" Carlton is featured as one of the film's narrators. Another local personality in the film is Walter Rittenberg, owner of Walter's BBQ. == Production ==

University of Georgia art professor James Herbert, the film's cinematographer, says he selected the film's locations with director Gayton. R.E.M. were also filmed performing in the Morton Building at 195 West Washington Street in Athens. The Bar–B–Q Killers, Kilkenny Cats, and Time Toy were filmed performing at the Uptown Lounge on February 4, 1986. Mike Mills of R.E.M. and Mark Cline of Love Tractor were interviewed at Lay Park in Athens. ORT was filmed at his former house at 274 Trilby Street in Athens. == Release ==

Athens, GA: Inside/Out premiered at Buckhead Cinema and Drafthouse in Atlanta on November 30, 1986. This was an invitation-only showing for the participants in the film. MTV's The Cutting Edge showed the documentary the same night. It had a limited theatrical run in 1987, mostly playing in major cities. == Reception and legacy ==

The New York Times called Athens, GA: Inside/Out a "bright, scrappy new documentary" that had "a refreshingly homemade feeling; it's as likably odd and unpretentious as Athens itself." Dexter Romweber of Flat Duo Jets performed a solo set following the session. In November 2021, the sequel Athens, GA Inside/Out 2: Red Turns Blue, produced by Bill Cody and Tony Brazier was released to streaming. == See also ==