Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple, a new feature documentary examining the artistry and lasting influence of Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart, has been selected for the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival. The CBC original documentary will make its world premiere in Toronto on September 16 before receiving a Canadian television and streaming premiere later in the month.
Directed by Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn, the film brings together rare archival material, live performances and reflections from prominent musicians to examine Peart’s distinctive approach to drumming and songwriting.
Neil Peart Documentary Joins TIFF 2026 Lineup
The world premiere of Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple is scheduled for September 16 at 9:30 p.m. EDT at the VISA Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto.
A TIFF press screening will follow September 17 at 9 a.m. EDT at Scotiabank Theatre.
The documentary is produced by Banger Films and Elevation Pictures, with Republic Pictures acquiring rights to the film outside Canada.
The TIFF selection provides a major festival platform for a documentary centered on one of rock music’s most technically accomplished and influential drummers.
Rare Footage Explores Peart’s Music and Legacy
Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple uses archival footage, personal reflections and live performances to explore Peart’s career and creative legacy.
Peart joined Rush in 1974 and became known not only for his technically demanding drumming but also for serving as the Canadian rock band’s primary lyricist. His elaborate percussion arrangements became a defining element of Rush’s sound and earned him a substantial following among musicians and drummers.
The documentary examines that musicianship by asking several accomplished drummers to take on some of Peart’s notoriously challenging parts.
Danny Carey, Stewart Copeland and Chad Smith Take on Peart’s Drum Parts
The film features an all-star lineup of drummers discussing and performing Peart’s work.
Participants include Danny Carey of Tool, Stewart Copeland of The Police, Gavin Harrison of King Crimson and Porcupine Tree, and Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Rush members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson also appear in the documentary, providing a direct connection to Peart’s decades of work with the band.
By having established musicians tackle his compositions, the documentary aims to demonstrate the complexity and originality behind Peart’s performances rather than simply recounting his career.
Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson Perform With Chad Smith
One of the documentary’s featured sequences brings Lee and Lifeson together with Smith for an intimate live performance.
The collaboration provides a different perspective on Rush’s music by placing Smith behind the drum kit alongside Peart’s longtime bandmates.
For U.S. rock audiences, the combination brings together members of two major North American bands: Rush and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Smith’s participation also highlights Peart’s influence on drummers beyond Rush’s own generation and fan base.
Documentary Will Air on CBC After TIFF Premiere
Following its TIFF world premiere, Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple is scheduled to make its Canadian broadcast debut as part of CBC’s The Passionate Eye.
The documentary will air September 23 at 8 p.m., or 8:30 p.m. NT, on CBC and will also be available through CBC Gem.
Republic Pictures’ acquisition of the film outside Canada gives the documentary an avenue for international distribution, though specific U.S. release details were not included in the announcement.
Film Examines One of Rock’s Most Influential Drummers
Peart’s combination of technical precision, ambitious compositions and lyrical contributions helped shape Rush throughout much of the band’s career. His work remains widely studied by drummers, making his techniques and creative process a natural focus for a music documentary.
With contributions from Lee, Lifeson, Carey, Copeland, Harrison and Smith, Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple approaches that legacy through the musicians who played alongside Peart and those influenced by his work.
Its September premiere at TIFF will give audiences the first full look at the documentary’s exploration of the musician behind some of Rush’s most recognizable and technically demanding performances.