Columbia-based bands BC69 and drona, along with techno-pop artist Soumir from St. Louis, played at the Eastside Kickoff Concert Wednesday evening. The showcase is an annual “day zero” tradition for True/False Film Fest, which begins its 21st annual weekend celebrating documentary, art and music.

At the door of Eastside Tavern, Marissa Suomokil marked attendee’s hands as they entered and made sure the show went on throughout the night. She said she’s worked with T/F for the past 11 years, starting off as a volunteer in high school, then working as a passholder, before eventually landing in management. 

For the past three years, she’s worked as a music “venue captain” for the festival’s showcases, acting as a direct link between the festival and the venue. In each of her many roles, though, Suomokil said she ultimately wants to get more people involved. 

“I’m always surprised by the people who’ve lived here a long time that don’t know anything about the fest, so I love figuring out ways to do community outreach about it,” she said. “I want people to know and be excited about it.”

For some who’ve previously lived in Columbia and alumni of the University of Missouri, T/F can act as a homecoming. This is especially true for opening band BC69.

Vocalist and guitarist Jonas Weir said the band formed when he was a student at MU about 10 years ago. The members of BC69 — also including Em Downing on bass and vocals and Loretta Kyle on drums — met in Columbia, but live all across the United States now. He said they reunited in 2023 to play shows in Columbia, Chicago and Japan and record a new album. 

As a student, Weir said T/F was the most exciting weekend of the year — now, he said he’s happy to be a part of the show. 

“This is my first experience being on the other side,” Weir said. “I feel like I’ve been here for so long and I had so many friends involved with running the festival, that I kind of like, know it inside and out. I’m not like a stranger. It all feels familiar.” 

BC69 and Soumir played amidst the buzzing chatter of the bar, an uncontainable excitement that Suomokil said always comes with the kick-off concert, marking the start of the weekend. 

“The first night showcase is really fun because it’s a good reminder. … I’m like, ‘Oh gosh, [the fest] is here,’” she said. “Here we go.” 

But when local sibling band drona hit the stage, the chatter fell silent. Their loud and all-encompassing sound eliminated any opportunity for distraction and only encouraged head-banging and dancing. 

“They’re calling this a kick-off party,” Surya Raghu said from the microphone stand. “So let’s all come to the front and make it a party.” 

A congested crowd around the stage, a fog machine and ringing ears set the tone for the weekend. That tone can often be unpredictable, Suomokil said.

“That’s the fun thing about True/False … I kind of end up coming in with no preconceptions,” she said. “I’m always kind of surprised by what thing ends up being my favorite thing.” 

You can keep up with The Maneater’s 2025 True/False Film Fest coverage here. 

Edited by Ainsley Bryson | abryson@themaneater.com

Copy edited by Hannah Taylor | htaylor@themaneater.com 

Edited by Emily Skidmore | eskidmore@themaneater.com