The Last Critic, WED 9.9, 6 PM – Tent

Nordic Premiere

The Last Critic, WED 9.9, 6 PM – Tent

Documentary, 2026, United States

Director: Matty Wishnow
Running time: 1 h 23 min
Themes: New York, music, journalism, criticism
Language: English; subtitles not confirmed
Age rating: Suitable for all ages

Director Matty Wishnow will attend the screening.

“They say opinions are like assholes: everybody has one. But few people have 10,000,” declares the documentary’s protagonist, Robert Christgau—perhaps the world’s best-known and most beloved music critic.

Now 83, he remains in New York, surrounded by his collection of 36,000 vinyl records, writing album reviews every day just as he has for the past 50 years.

Christgau has written music criticism for publications including Rolling Stone, Creem, and The New York Times, but he is best known for his work at The Village Voice. He contributed to the paper for 37 years, until the iconic publication closed.

Christgau’s reviews have been compared to haiku. They have been eagerly anticipated, feared, admired, and hated. Whatever one may think of the legendary critic, his dedication commands respect. He might play an album several more times simply to make sure whether it truly deserves an A or an A+.

The Last Critic is the directorial debut of Matty Wishnow, who has worked as a journalist, writer, and record-store owner. The documentary features Christgau’s wife, daughter, colleagues, and some of the artists whom the critic has treated with anything but kid gloves.

This inspiring documentary premiered at the SXSW Film & TV Festival, where—fittingly enough—it received a Special Jury Award for its critical perspective.

Additional credits:

Editing: Paul Lovelace
Music: Carmen Elle
Producers: Paul Lovelace, Ben Wu
Production company: Past Prime Productions

Secure your seat now!

🎟️ Ticket categories:

• Festival Ticket – €15
  Standard admission to one screening. Your purchase supports the production of the event.

• Patron Ticket – €25
  Would you like to support the festival further? Choose a Patron Ticket and help secure the event’s future.

• Solidarity Ticket – €10
  For students, unemployed people, pensioners, and other discount groups.

We will also organise free public screenings at Karhupuisto, Bar Tÿpo, Kallio Library, and Suvilahti DIY.