MONK IN PIECES: Director Billy Shebar Talks Meredith Monk & More

This week on The Sounds of Film, host Tom Needham speaks with director Billy Shebar about his powerful new documentary, Monk in Pieces. The film explores the groundbreaking life and work of composer and performance artist Meredith Monk, a singular force in the world of contemporary music and interdisciplinary art. Premiering at the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival, Monk in Pieces makes its U.S. theatrical debut on Friday, July 25 at New York’s IFC Center, with a broader national release to follow.

Through a dynamic blend of archival footage, live performance, and intimate interviews—including appearances by cultural icons Björk and David Byrne—the documentary paints a vivid portrait of Monk’s artistry and enduring legacy. Known for her unique fusion of movement, voice, and visual storytelling, Monk’s influence has reached across disciplines, even as she has often been underrecognized by mainstream audiences. The film captures the essence of her work by embracing a structure as fluid and expressive as Monk’s own creative language.

For more information about The SOUNDS OF FILM with Tom Needham’s interview, visit soundsoffilm.com