Calgary Underground Film Festival 2009

  To the untrained eye, Damian Hess may appear to be a run-of-the-mill, 32-year-old Caucasian geek; but Hess’s alter ego is none other than MC Frontalot, “The Godfather of Nerdcore Hip Hop.” With a funky, live rhythm section and some damned freaky dance moves, Frontalot—bedecked in oversized glasses, sensible slacks, and a tie—is at the forefront of a new generation of rappers whose lyrics speak to the hearts of a musically disenfranchised and often overlooked group: nerds.

NERDCORE RISING follows Frontalot and his band as they nervously embark on their first national tour, ready to rock the nation dweeb-style and meet the geeky—yet genuine—fans who drive countless hours to attend their gigs. Along the way, the film examines the impact of the Internet on remapping the road to music celebrity. It also debates the validity of Nerdcore as a genre, with input from celebrities including hip-hop artist/producer Prince Paul, the Dead Kennedys’ Jello Biafra, comedian Brian Posehn, Tycho and Gabe of Penny Arcade, and (naturally) Weird Al Yankovic. -Erin Amar - Boston Independent Film Festival  

“Nerdcore Rising is a riot from the first scene” - Boston Herald

"Hilarious & delightful" – "Funny, inspiring, authentic, sympathetic and never, ever mean."- Salon's Best of Fest  

Official Selection: 
Palm Springs International Film Festival - 2009
SXSW Film Festival - 2008
AFI Dallas Film Festival - 2008
Atlanta Film Festival - 2008
Boston Underground Film Festival - 2008