“Every one of my strings holds a story. Every note I play echoes a lifetime I’ve touched. I’m not just music—I’m memory, truth, and connection. I’m the sound of how we’ve lived, who we are, and what binds us together. I’m Alive in Strings.” The Banjo
(“Alive in Strings” is currently in production. This captivating one hour documentary takes viewers on an immersive journey through the banjo’s rich history and vibrant present, uncovering its deep roots, dynamic evolution, and lasting impact on American culture and music.)
“If You Knew My Story”
from Bright Star (Original Broadway Cast Recording)
Performed by Carmen Cusack
Music and Lyrics by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell
A Tribute to the Banjo Spirit in Alive in Strings
Creative Lens Statement
One Instrument. One Nation. Countless Stories.
From award-winning filmmaker Harun Kazaz, Producer and Director of Rising Wings
Alive in Strings is told from the perspective of the banjo itself—a symbolic witness to American music and memory. While this is a creative lens, the historical foundation is based on thoroughly researched, widely respected sources, including the Smithsonian, National Park Service, and leading scholars of American music and culture.
We acknowledge that the banjo’s story—like America’s—is complex, layered, and still evolving. Our goal is not to rewrite history, but to honor it with care, accuracy, and emotional truth.
Some history is written on paper. Some lives on through music.
ONE INSTRUMENT. ONE NATION. COUNTLESS STORIES.
Alive In Strings is a new feature documentary exploring the remarkable journey of the banjo through more than three centuries of American history. Now in active production, the film invites audiences on a cinematic journey through music, craftsmanship, and the stories that helped shape America. Watch the first official teaser and follow the film’s journey toward its planned Winter 2028 release.