The Canadian music documentary RUSH: BEYOND THE LIGHTED STAGE has won the Heineken Audience Award at the 9th Tribeca Film Festival, which concludes today. The award includes a cash prize of $25,000 for the film's co-directors Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn. The Award was voted on by audiences attending the Festival by completing nomination ballots upon exiting Festival public screenings.  

The film, which had its World Premiere at the Festival, is a valentine to the legendary Canadian rock band Rush and their enthusiastic fan base. In the film, directors McFadyen and Dunn embark on a comprehensive exploration of this extraordinary power trio, from their early days in Toronto through each of their landmark albums to the present day. 

"Receiving the Heineken Audience Award at Tribeca means a lot to us as RUSH has always been a band of the people,” the directors gushed at the Festival's wrap party. “It was great to see RUSH fans and non-fans enjoy the movie together.” The musical trio of Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Part also were enthused by the nod. “What wonderful recognition for the hard and diligent work Sam and Scot did to bring this film to the public.  We are so thrilled that they have received such a prestigious honor from the Tribeca Film Festival."

To view a trailer and learn more about the band and its legion of rock fans, visit the film's official website: http://www.rushbeyondthelightedstage.com/

For a complete list of winners at this year's Tribeca Film Festival, visit: www.tribecafilm.com

Sandy Mandelberger, Festival Dailies Editor