FANNY: Pinoy domination overseas in the 70s

Who would have thought that on the other side of the world, Filipino-blood is already making its mark in the music scene, at the same time when the likes of The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and more are dominating the industry? Fil-Am band "Fanny" that consist of June and Jean Millington started an all-female band that has broken the male-dominated music category with their unique music and perfomance style that captured the audience from US to London. A full length documentary Fanny: The Right to Rock chronicles the life of Fanny that will be shown in theaters this September 7.

Growing up in a period where discrimination is rampant, June and Jean fell victims of criticism and outcast while in California. But it didn't stop them to pursue and use their talent in making music and enjoy their youth. As many music artists experience, they had their share of ups and lows, especially trying to get in a scene where it was mostly men runs it, and it was a challenge to be known and to stay in the limelight. It is a wonderful achievement that icons acknowledge them and call them an inspiration as the first all-female rock band.

There are even heavier challenges that faced the band. Rejection, family duties and paralyzing instances that stopped their performances when the fame is starting to go up. But as they said, when doors close, windows will be opened, and they found the opportunity to revive the music. We will all learn from Fanny that everything is not too late and just grab every opportunity that comes your way.

Fast forward to the present, as the members get older, they had doubts of going back again. It is a great help when bigger names like David Bowie acknowledged their presence in the music scene and regarded them as one of the most important bands. He said, “One of the most important female bands in American rock has been buried without a trace." And they are. They are not even known here in the country they're from, maybe aside if you've been in the US or London during the 70s.

“One of the most important female bands in American rock has been buried without a trace." - David Bowie

The reunion is really exciting especially for the new audience like me who is able to know their background. Fanny: The Right to Rock is a beautiful story that your lolas or titas could sit down with you while they're talking about their young, vulnerable and fun life -- which you can learn a lot from. The movie will introduce you to more realities and teach lots of lessons, especially in life. The name could be forgotten, but the legacy and lessons will live on.

Fanny: The Right to Rock is distributed by TBA Studios. The one-and-a-half hour documentary also features Def Leppard's Joe Elliott, Bonnie Raitt, The Go-Go's Kathy Valentine, Todd Rundgren, The Runaways' Cherie Currie, Lovin' Spoonful's John Sebastian, The B52's Kate Pierson, Charles Neville, David Bowie guitarist and bassist Earl Slick and Gail Ann Dorsey, and other music icons. Watch the trailer below: