‘The Devil and the Angel’ documentary returns with fast cars, guns, explosions…and violins

Film poster for the 2015 Docutah film "The Devil and the Angel," which will be featured again March 22, 2019, at the Eccles Main Stage at Dixie State University in St. George, Utah | Image courtesy of Docutah, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — Docutah invites you to explore the “devil’s instrument” from the perspective of a violin crafter based in Southern Utah.

As part of the “Docutah Decade” programming, Docutah International Documentary Film Festival is bringing “The Devil and the Angel” back to the Eccles Main Stage at Dixie State University on Friday at 7 p.m..

A student production from the 2015 festival, the documentary has it all according to the filmmakers: “fast cars, guns, explosions, tragedy, joy, comedy, tears, love… violins.” The screening on Friday will be hosted by director Kat Lee and Kevin Lee, the film’s subject.

In a press release for the screening, Docutah director Phil Tuckett said they were “amazed and delighted at the stunning quality of this student film, which uses creative lighting and unusual filmic techniques to create an emotional attachment to the artist, bringing the audience clearly into the passion he has for his craft.”

The violin has been referred to as the “devil’s instrument” — violin players and makers throughout history were rumored to have sold their souls to the devil in order to master their craft.

Master luthier Kevin Lee tinkers in his violin workshop in Leeds, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Docutah, St. George News

Despite this reputation, Kevin Lee sets out to prove otherwise from his rustic workshop in Southern Utah. Known as a master luthier, he follows in the footsteps of the famous violin makers from hundreds of years ago when the first violins were created.

Read more: Kevin Lee of Leeds, master crafter of violins, rivaling the great master luthiers

For music-lovers and musicians alike, as well as those who have never considered where a violin comes from, this film takes a journey through the mystery, the fantasy, the passion, the madness and the romanticism of a master craftsman and his love affair with an angel, the “devil’s instrument.”

Event details

  • What: Showing of “The Devil and the Angel,” a 2015 Docutah film.
  • When: Friday, March 22, at 7 p.m.
  • Where: Eccles Main Stage at Dixie State, 225 S. 700 East, St. George.
  • Cost: $10 | Tickets may be reserved online.

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