A film by: Tom Berninger
Music Documentary – 75 Minutes – Color – English/USA 2013

In 2010, rock band The National were about to embark on the biggest tour of their career. After ten years as a band, and five critically acclaimed albums, they were finally enjoying wider recognition. Lead singer Matt Berninger invited his younger brother, Tom, to join the tour’s crew. A budding horror filmmaker, Tom – who is nine years younger than Matt and listens exclusively to heavy metal – decided to bring his camera along. Tom’s at sea in the world of indie rock, and living in his brother’s shadow brings out the younger sibling in him – he drinks, complains, and struggles to balance his ambition with his tour responsibilities. The result is a film about brothers and about making something of your own.

Tribeca Film Festival 2013: Opening Night Film
Hot Docs 2013
Sydney Film Festival 2013
Melbourne International Film Festival 2013
Bfi London Film Festival 2013
Bergen International Film Festival 2013
Cph:Dox 2013
Kasseler Dok Fest 2013

Best Documentary Winner at East End Film Festival, 2014

“The funniest, most meta music movie since Spinal Tap.” – Pitchfork

“Fantastic.” – Variety

“The film managed to defy every preconception…the best documentary we’ve seen all year.” – New York Observer

“Brutal, hilarious…unexpectedly honest.” – The Hollywood Reporter

“Brilliant…your enjoyment of Mistaken for Strangers will have nothing to do with your knowledge of The National.” – The Huffingtonpost

“A genuinely funny and sincere portrait of one family’s black sheep” – The Daily Beast

“One of the very best rock & roll documentaries you will see.” – The Matinee

“A universally relatable story that is bound to be an absolute crowd pleaser” – Examiner