East Coast Premiere for SXSW Stand Out 'Power Ballad' Starring Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas
Special screening set for Saturday, March 21, at 7 P.M. at District Music Hall in Norwalk, CT as part of the 6th Annual Norwalk Film Festival
NORWALK, CT / ACCESS Newswire / March 16, 2026 / Fresh off its North American Premiere, the Norwalk Film Festival will host the East Coast premiere of the new comedy Power Ballad on Saturday, March 21, at 7 p.m. The screening will take place at District Music Hall in Norwalk, offering Connecticut audiences a chance to see the film months before its nationwide theatrical release.
The film screened Saturday, March 14th, at SXSW to rave reviews. Deadline called the film, "heartwarming" while The Hollywood Reporter says it, "hits every note." Variety adds that "Paul Rudd...holds the movie in the palm of his hand'"
Directed by acclaimed Irish filmmaker John Carney (Once, Begin Again, Sing Street), Power Ballad stars Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas in a feel‑good story about music, friendship, and ambition. The film premiered internationally at the Dublin International Film Festival on March 1 and had its North American premiere at SXSW on March 14. Lionsgate will release the film nationwide on June 5.
In the film, Rick (Paul Rudd) is a past-his-prime wedding singer who meets Danny (Nick Jonas), a fading boy band star. The two bond over music during a chance encounter, but when Danny turns one of Rick's songs into a hit that reignites his career, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves - even if it risks everything he cares about.
The ensemble cast also includes Havana Rose Liu, Marcella Plunkett, Jack Reynor, Sophie Vavasseur, and Peter McDonald, who co-wrote the screenplay with Carney.
"The Norwalk Film Festival is so excited to have Power Ballad as part of our festival this year. Seeing the reception our of SXSW, we know our audience will love the movie," said Sean Fox, President of the Norwalk Film Festival. "Led by director John Carney, stars like Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas give exceptional performances, supported by a compelling story and excellent music. This screening is a special opportunity for Connecticut audiences to experience a major new film before it hits theaters nationwide."
Tickets are available now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/6th-annual-norwalk-film-festival-tickets-1981020895827
The Norwalk Film Festival runs March 20-22, featuring narrative and documentary films, filmmaker conversations, workshops, and special events across venues in Norwalk's Wall Street Arts & Culture District.
More information: www.norwalkfilmfestival.org
CONTACT:
Sean Fox
[email protected]
SOURCE: Norwalk Film Festival