The Ballad Of Judas Priest, a new documentary centered on the Grammy-winning English heavy metal pioneers Judas Priest, is set to make its world premiere at the 76th Berlinale – Berlin International Film Festival, which runs from February 12 through February 22.
The Berlinale has long been recognized as a major destination for both artistic discovery and wide-reaching entertainment. It stands among the largest public film festivals in the world, drawing tens of thousands of attendees from across the globe each year. For professionals in the film industry and international media, the eleven-day event each February also serves as a key annual meeting point and an essential marketplace.
Since its founding in 1951, the Berlin International Film Festival has carried a distinctive cultural weight. Created during the early years of the Cold War as a “showcase of the free world,” the event was shaped by post-war realities and the experience of a divided city. Over time, the Berlinale evolved into a hub for intercultural dialogue and a platform for films that engage directly with social and political themes. It continues to be regarded as the most politically engaged of the world’s major film festivals.
The documentary is co-directed by filmmaker Sam Dunn alongside Rage Against The Machine guitarist Tom Morello, marking Morello’s first project as a director. The film explores Judas Priest’s influence on music and culture, emphasizing that their reach extends well beyond heavy metal. Featuring landmark songs such as “Breaking The Law” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’”, The Ballad Of Judas Priest focuses on the drive, perseverance, and long-term impact of a band whose story has resonated with fans for decades.
Dunn shared his excitement about the premiere, saying: “Super proud to announce that our Judas Priest doc The Ballad Of Judas Priest will premiere at Berlinale – Berlin International Film Festival this February. Beyond excited for all our German metalheads to get the first look.”
Emerging from working-class beginnings in Birmingham, England, Judas Priest rose to become one of the most influential forces in rock music. Often credited as key architects of the heavy metal sound during the 1970s, the band has sold more than 50 million records worldwide and released 19 studio albums. Their achievements were formally recognized in 2022 with induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. In 2024, they released Invincible Shield, becoming the first heavy metal band to issue studio albums spaced 50 years apart. That release earned widespread praise and received a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance. Later this year, the group will also embark on a co-headlining North American tour alongside Alice Cooper, covering 22 cities.
Reflecting on the project, Judas Priest stated: “We have lived and breathed metal for over five decades, and finally in this documentary we are summoning our congregation to officially witness our lives uncensored, in a never-before-seen way…the cassock comes off, revealing Priest in all its metal glory!”
Morello and Dunn also commented on the broader scope of the film, saying: “While some may know Judas Priest for their huge hits that have shaped the heavy metal genre, there is so much more to their story. Tracing their incredible 50-year journey, this film will capture how Judas Priest both defined the sound and look of metal, but also made it a more inclusive place along the way. We are grateful to the band for allowing us such intimate, unfiltered access to their lives and look forward to bringing this film to the metal masses around the world.”
The Ballad Of Judas Priest is produced by Banger Films and directed by Sam Dunn and Tom Morello. Producers include Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn, with executive producers Tom Morello, Rick Krim, Sheila Stepanek, and Jayne Andrews. Additional executive producers include Tom Mackay, Krista Wegener, and Abby Davis for Sony Music Vision, along with Sylvia Rhone for Epic Records. The documentary is presented and distributed by Sony Music Vision.
