I Need You: 53 Years of the Band America
For over five decades, Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley have been the heart of America—not just a band, but also a sound that defined a generation. Sons of US airmen, they met in a London high school and, with the late Dan Peek, formed a trio blending folk and rock into a unique style that would become their signature. Their harmonies and craftsmanship yielded hits like “A Horse with No Name,” “Ventura Highway,” and “Sister Golden Hair.” After Peek’s departure, Bunnell and Beckley carried on, touring and finding success with songs like “You Can Do Magic.” They charted 11 Top 40 singles and maintained radio play into the 2000s. In 2024, America's retirement from touring marked the end of an era. I Need You chronicles their final chapter through intimate interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, revealing the deep bond between bandmates, their challenges, and the music that continues to resonate long after the stage lights fade.
JOIN US FOR THE DOCLANDS CENTERPIECE RECEPTION
Head over to Lotus Cuisine of India, one of our favorite downtown San Rafael restaurants, after the film for a delightful array of traditional Indian dishes.
LOTUS CUISINE OF INDIA • 9:00 - 11:00 PM
812 4th Street • San Rafael
Director/s
Dustin Elm
Dustin Elm
DUSTIN ELM is a documentary director, producer, and editor whose work can be found on Netflix, Showtime, and HBO. He directed The Festifull Summer (2013), Manmade Waters (2017), and I Need You: 53 Years of the Band America (2024). A USC School of Cinematic Arts alum, he's directed commercials for brands such as Google, Cadillac, and Citizen Watches. Dustin is currently directing the docu-series Little River, a true crime murder mystery set in coastal South Carolina.
David Breschel
David Breschel
DAVID BRESCHEL is a maker of shorts, features, and commercials. He previously made a narrative feature, The Mad Whale(2017). I Need You: 53 Years of the Band America (2024) is his documentary feature debut.
Expected Guests
DUSTIN ELM: Director
DAVID BRESCHEL: Director
FRANK POLLIFRONE: Executive Producer
JACK PIATT: Producer
Tickets
