— news —
THE RIDE AHEAD
[ APRIL 2024 ]
Proud to have provided the music for this powerful (and funny) feature documentary based on the Emmy-Award winning NY Times OpDoc My Disability Roadmap. World premiering at this year's HotDocs festival.
ABCs of BOOK BANNING is OSCAR NOMINATED
[ FEB 2024 ]
Very exciting!
RECENT RELEASES: Winter 2024
Hear Max's music in these recent projects:
THE ABCs of BOOK BANNING
MTV Documentary Films / Paramount+ / 2024 Oscar Nominee: Best Short Documentary
A REVOLUTION ON CANVAS
HBO Documentary Films / Max
THE RECALL REFRAMED
MSNBC / Peacock
MTV Documentary Films / Paramount+ / 2024 Oscar Nominee: Best Short Documentary
A REVOLUTION ON CANVAS
HBO Documentary Films / Max
THE RECALL REFRAMED
MSNBC / Peacock
Return of THE KING
[ DECEMBER 2023 ]
Out of circulation for many years, THE KING is now available for streaming on Peacock! This dark fable staring Gael García Bernal, William Hurt, and Paul Dano is a challenging watch, but so very worth it. I'm still as proud of my score today as I was when it premiered at Cannes way back in 2005.
CRITICS CHOICE NOMINATION
[ OCTOBER 2022 ]
Oh wow — I was nominated for a Critics Choice Documentary Award for THE JANES score! I am thrilled to be honored along with such great composers.
A TREE OF LIFE broadcast premiere
[ OCTOBER 2022 ]
A Tree of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting is a deeply personal portrait of the survivors, victims, and family members who share their harrowing first-hand accounts of the impact of this horrific act. The score includes several tracks from my library, and I was honored to work with director Trish Adlesic to help tell this important story. Premieres October 26th at 9 PM on HBO and HBOMAX.
THE JANES broadcast premiere
[ JUNE 2022 ]
THE JANES broadcast premiere
June 8th at 9 PM on HBO
and streaming on-demand from HBOMAX
See the trailer here
June 8th at 9 PM on HBO
and streaming on-demand from HBOMAX
See the trailer here
KEEPER OF TIME world premiere
[ May 2022 ]
KEEPER OF TIME explores the astonishing and beautiful world of mechanical watchmaking while contemplating the theoretical and philosophical notions of time, aging and mortality. After its sold-out world premiere in NYC, the feature film is now available for streaming. A preview release of highlights from the soundtrack is now available via Max's Bandcamp page. The wide streaming release is set for June 17th. Pre-save to Spotify now, or follow Max on Twitter / Instagram for a release-day reminder.
Praise for "The Janes"
[ February 2022 ]
The Janes currently has a 100% Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes after its premiere at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival! I'm particularly fond of The Hollywood Reporter's take, which says "There’s terrific energy too in Max Avery Lichtenstein’s score, its subtle mix in tune with the saga’s layers of spiritedness and suspense."
Look for the film's broadcast premiere on HBO later this year, and read about my scoring process in this nice interview from postPerspective.
Look for the film's broadcast premiere on HBO later this year, and read about my scoring process in this nice interview from postPerspective.
"The Janes" at Sundance 2022
[ January 2022 ]
The Janes is an official selection in the US Documentary competition at Sundance 2022! I'm so excited for people to see this timely, sharp-witted story about a clandestine group of incredibly gutsy and giving women. Read more in The NY Times, Vanity Fair, and the L.A. Times.
"A Tree of Life" at DocNYC 2021
[ November 2021 ]
Honored to have several pieces of my music included in this unflinching exploration of the deadliest antisemitic attack in American history. Directed by Emmy-winner Trish Adlesic and executive produced by Michael Keaton and Marc Cuban, A TREE OF LIFE confronts the moral decay of humanity and takes a larger look at the hate-based crisis stemming from the political climate. IndieWire calls it "harrowing, heartsick, and utterly vital". Tickets for in-person and virtual screenings are available here.
"Harley" at Tribeca 2021
[ June 2021 ]
It's the long-delayed theatrical premiere for this quirky and bittersweet biography, which "stands out as an outrageously entertaining and unexpected portrait of a larger-than-life character". The screening is sold out, but wider distribution should be coming soon.
"The Undocumented Lawyer" on HBO
[ March 2021 ]
Now streaming on HBOMax — I’m honored to have played a small part in telling Lizbeth Mateo’s powerful story.
DOC NYC 2020
[ November 2020 ]
Very happy to have scored two remarkable films in this year's DOC NYC lineup: WEED & WINE and THE UNDOCUMENTED LAWYER. Both will be available to stream to U.S. viewers between November 11th and the 19th. Tickets are available now!
HERE WHERE THE LIGHT FALLS
[ October 2020 ]
My first full-length Camphor album in over a decade, HERE WHERE THE LIGHT FALLS is a melancholic song cycle about the emotional struggles we face when the world drops out from below our feet. Available now on all digital platforms, and a limited edition CD is available direct from the Camphor Bandcamp page.
"WEED & WINE" original score release
[ March 2020 ]
Weed & Wine is a beautiful film about the preciousness and precariousness of family. As we wait for its postponed premiere, thought it would be nice to put the sweet and warm score into the world. Find it now on your favorite digital platform.
CAMPHOR covers Björk's "Jóga"
[ February 2020 ]
Hear my interpretation of Björk's exquisite song Jóga, featuring harmony vocals highlighted by an angelic performance from my son Mason Ember. More original songs and videos are coming throughout the year, so please consider following CAMPHOR on Bandcamp or your favorite streaming platform.
"Paradise Without People": soundtrack release, DocNYC screening & panel
[ November 2019 ]
PARADISE WITHOUT PEOPLE is the first feature-length documentary from TIME Studios, built upon the award-winning Finding Home: TIME Magazine's Refugee Baby Project. The film offers an unprecedented look at the Syrian refugee experience from the perspective of two new mothers. My original score will be available on all digital platforms on November 29th. Meanwhile, I'll be attending the NYC premiere on 11/10 and making an appearance on 11/12 as a participant in a DocNYC PRO panel discussion about how to prepare for post audio success.
Mercury Rev's ALL IS DREAM deluxe boxed set
[ November 2019 ]
I had the great privilege of playing a part in the production & engineering of Mercury Rev's beautiful album ALL IS DREAM, along with several of its demos and B-sides. Now all these tracks are collected together... a rare gem! Releases on November 29th from Cherry Red Records.
"I Am Evidence" wins Best Documentary Emmy
[ September 2019 ]
I AM EVIDENCE is a powerful and infuriating call to action, addressing the unacceptable neglect of thousands of rape test kits in the American justice system. I was honored to contribute music to this very important film. Learn more at https://www.iamevidencethemovie.com or stream it via HBO.
"GRIT" broadcast premiere on PBS's P.O.V.
[ September 2019 ]
"GRIT" is a sweeping, lyrical look at the lives of a group of villagers from East Java, Indonesia who mount a ten-year fight for corporate accountability in the face of one of the world’s largest and little known environmental disasters. Airs Monday, September 9th on PBS television and streams for free at http://pov.org/.
Max's evocative and driving original score is also available on all major digital music services.
Max's evocative and driving original score is also available on all major digital music services.
"The Rest I Make Up" now streaming on Kanopy
[ August 2019 ]
This bittersweet rumination on creativity, memory, and love was named one of the best films of 2018 by Richard Brody in The New Yorker. It's now available to watch on Kanopy, the streaming service that offers an amazing collection of films to viewers around the U.S. as part of their free library membership. Learn more and watch now here!
"The World Before Your Feet" in theaters and streaming
[ March 2019 ]
This "Endearing... gotham-set charmer about the pleasures of wandering" (The Hollywood Reporter) premiered in NYC and LA last fall and continues its 100-day-plus U.S. theatrical run. Now the film is also available for streaming via iTunes, Amazon Prime, Google Play, Cable/Satellite VOD, and more. See theworldbeforeyourfeet.com for more details.
"Jane Fonda in Five Acts" on HBO
[ October 2018 ]
Max's tune "El Diablo Adentro" makes a nice appearance under the Ted Turner section of Susan Lacy's critically-acclaimed biography of Jane Fonda, now airing on HBO.
"The Rest I Make Up" returns to NYC's MoMA The Museum of Modern Art
[ August 2018 ]
THE REST I MAKE UP—A film about Maria Irene Fornes screens at the venerated institution from August 23-29th, accompanied by a beautiful write-up in The New Yorker.
"When God Sleeps" U.S. broadcast & streaming premiere
[ April 2018 ]
WHEN GOD SLEEPS tells the story of an outspoken artist defying powerful men intent on silencing him. It premieres this month across the U.S. on PBS's Independent Lens. It's an intense and atmospheric viewing experience, and Max's intense and atmospheric score is available here.
"I Am Evidence" broadcast premiere on HBO
[ April 2018 ]
I AM EVIDENCE is a powerful and infuriating call to action, addressing the unacceptable neglect of thousands of rape test kits in the American justice system. I was honored to contribute several licensed pieces to the score. It begins airing on HBO on April 16th.
"The Rest I Make Up" premieres at MoMA's Doc Fortnight
[ January 2018 ]
Michelle Memran's touching and intimate film about the visionary dramatist Maria Irene Fornes will debut in NYC on Friday, February 16th. Learn more at therestimakeup.com
"116 Cameras" makes the Oscars shortlist
[ December 2017 ]
Max scored this bittersweet NY Times Op-Doc, which joins nine other Documentary Short Subject contenders for the 90th Academy Awards®.
"Wenn Gott Schläft" ("When God Sleeps") hits theaters in Germany; score album now available
[ October 2017 ]
WHEN GOD SLEEPS depicts the journey of Iranian musician Shahin Najafi, who is forced into hiding after hardline clerics, incensed by his songwriting, issue a fatwa for his death. The film sees a nationwide theatrical release in Germany starting October 12.
Scored like a narrative thriller, Max's intense and emotional music for the film is now available on iTunes, Spotify and other digital platforms.
Scored like a narrative thriller, Max's intense and emotional music for the film is now available on iTunes, Spotify and other digital platforms.
“116 Cameras" in The New York Times
[ September 2017 ]
Max scored Davina Pardo's remarkable NY Times OpDoc about a holocaust survivor who is holographically recording her memories for generations to come.
“Untouchable" shorts featured by The Marshall Project and The New York Times
[ September 2017 ]
Max's Untouchable score is put to powerful use by writer/director David Feige in two short films that dig deeper into the flaws in current sex offender laws; The Marshall Project features a startling and poignant story about a young mother who struggles with life on the sex offender registry, and The New York Times offers an Op-Doc on the flawed social science used to justify the harsh punishments imposed on offenders.
“When God Sleeps” and "Hotel U.S.A." at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival
[ April 2017 ]
Named by Rolling Stone as one of the films they can't wait to see, When God Sleeps tells the story of singer-songwriter Shahin Najafi. Banned in his native country for his iconoclastic lyrics, the musician moves to Berlin while he, his band, and manager navigate death threats and apostasy accusations.
Hotel U.S.A. gives a brief but intimate look at newly arrived refugee families, for whom the very first night in the U.S. can be an exciting and bewildering experience. The film is screening as part of the New York Times Op-Doc showcase.
Hotel U.S.A. gives a brief but intimate look at newly arrived refugee families, for whom the very first night in the U.S. can be an exciting and bewildering experience. The film is screening as part of the New York Times Op-Doc showcase.
"Almost There" is nominated for the DOK.fest documentary music award
[ March 2017 ]
After Sundance Film Festival premiere, “This is Everything: Gigi Gorgeous” is now streaming on YouTube Red
[ January 2017 ]
Max provided both original and licensed music for this uplifting and empowering new film by two-time Academy Award winner Barbara Kopple, produced for YouTube Red Originals.
“Almost There” premieres in competition at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam
[ November 2016 ]
Almost There is a beautiful and meditative portrait of three men searching for happiness and a meaningful existence in the autumn of their lives. It premiered on November 18th at the renowned IDFA, earning Max's score praise in this lovely review from Cineuropa.
“Chicago Poems” by David Nagler debuts with a Jeff Tweedy performance
[ October 2016 ]
Vulture and Rolling Stone debuted “Theme in Yellow”, the first track from this tribute album to the beloved poet Carl Sandburg's Chicago Poems collection, first published 100 years ago.
Max co-produced this artful record with composer and arranger David Nagler. Along with Tweedy, the project features contributions from Chicago-associated artists like the Mekons' Sally Timms and Jon Langford, Kelly Hogan, Robbie Fulks, Daniel Knox, and co-arranger Jon Natchez.
Max co-produced this artful record with composer and arranger David Nagler. Along with Tweedy, the project features contributions from Chicago-associated artists like the Mekons' Sally Timms and Jon Langford, Kelly Hogan, Robbie Fulks, Daniel Knox, and co-arranger Jon Natchez.
“Very Semi-Serious” wins an Emmy
[ September 2016 ]
This witty and sweet HBO documentary about The New Yorker’s single panel cartoons and cartoonists got the statue for Outstanding Arts and Cultural Programming.
Timesbold returns
[ April 2016 ]
The single Fever Dream is out now on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube and elsewhere. More singles will be released in the coming months. Learn more at timesbold.net
“Untouchable” at the Tribeca Film Festival
[ April 2016 ]
When the most powerful lobbyist in Florida discovers that the nanny has sexually abused his daughter, he harnesses his extraordinary political power to pass the toughest sex offender laws in the nation. Untouchable chronicles his crusade, and its impact on the lives of several of the 800,000 people forced to live under the kinds of laws he has championed. The film interweaves intimate portraits of men and women who have been branded sex offenders with the heartbreaking stories of those who have suffered sexual abuse.
Premiered April 15th at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Premiered April 15th at the Tribeca Film Festival.
“Very Semi-Serious: A Partially Thorough Portrait of New Yorker Cartoonists”
[ December 2015 ]
Leah Wolchok's offbeat meditation on humor, art and the genius of the single panel cartoon debuts December 14th exclusively on HBO following a limited theatrical run in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. The soundtrack is available now on Spotify, iTunes and elsewhere. Learn more at verysemiserious.com
“Dreaming Against the World” at the Telluride Film Festival
[ September 2015 ]
An atmospheric and intense portrait of Chinese artist Mu Xin, Dreaming Against the World will screen in the telluridefilmfestival.org Backlot theater.
“Minka” featured by the New York Times
[ March 2015 ]
This short, lyrical doc about place and memory is a beautiful way to spend a few minutes of your day... http://nyti.ms/1FFEu71
“Hot Type: 150 Years of The Nation”
[ February 2015 ]
The new film by Barbara Kopple, a two-time Academy Award winner for Best Documentary Feature, tells the story of the oldest continuously published weekly magazine in the United States.
Premiered February 27th, 2015 as the closing night feature at MoMA’s Documentary Fortnight.
Premiered February 27th, 2015 as the closing night feature at MoMA’s Documentary Fortnight.
New Camphor project begins production
[ August 2014 ]
Wrapped up the first 3 days of tracking at the Isokon in Woodstock, NY.
Academy Award Nominated "Mondays at Racine" returns to HBO
[ June 2014 ]
The 40 minute documentary directed by Cynthia Wade is now viewable anytime via HBO GO.
"My Own Man"
[ April 2014 ]
Feature documentary directed by David Sampliner and executive produced by Ed Norton.
Premiers at the 2014 TriBeCa Film fest.
Premiers at the 2014 TriBeCa Film fest.
“Tarnation” 10-year anniversary screenings
[ April 2014 ]
The groundbreaking feature documentary directed by Jonathan Caouette and executive produced by Gus Van Sant and John Cameron Mitchell gets an encore theatrical showing at the Brooklyn Academy of Music this month, and at other spots around the world throughout the rest of the year.
“Mondays at Racine” on HBO
[ October 2013 ]
Oscar® nominated short documentary premieres October 14th at 9 PM and will air throughout the month. See the synopsis here.
"Code of the West" on PBS
[ October 2013 ]
America ReFramed will bring the medical marijuana doc to public television stations around the U.S. on Tuesday, October 8th.
"Mondays at Racine" is nominated for a 2013 Academy Award
[ January 2013 ]
Mondays at Racine has earned a 2013 Oscar® nomination for best documentary short!
Collaboration with Chilean artist Kuky Tala
[ September 2012 ]
Provided a “stoically solemn” vocal in a duet with Anneli Drecker (Bel Canto, Röyksopp) on the song Turi, a swirly and cinematic new track from Chilean artist Kuky Tala.
3 new docs on the festival circuit
[ September 2012 ]
"Mighty Fine"
[ May 2012 ]
Narrative feature starring Chazz Palminteri and Andie MacDowell. Now playing in theaters around the U.S. See the trailer here.
"War Don Don"
[ September 2010 ]
Emmy®-winning documentary from director Rebecca Richman Cohen examining the rise and fall of a rebel leader in Sierra Leone and the effectiveness of “international justice” in the war-ravaged nation.
Premieres Wednesday, September 29th on HBO2. See more here.
Premieres Wednesday, September 29th on HBO2. See more here.