CBC has released the official trailer for “Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple,” a new feature documentary examining the artistry, career and enduring influence of Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart. The Canadian production is an official selection of the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival and will make its world premiere in Toronto on Sept. 16 before reaching Canadian television and streaming audiences later in the month.
Directed by Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn and produced by Banger Films and Elevation Pictures, the documentary brings together rare archival material, personal reflections and performances by prominent musicians to examine Peart’s distinctive approach to drumming and songwriting.
The project also carries an international distribution component, with Republic Pictures acquiring rights to the film outside Canada.
‘Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple’ Examines Rush Drummer’s Musical Legacy
The newly released trailer provides an early look at the documentary’s exploration of Peart, whose technical drumming and lyrics became defining elements of Rush’s music.
Rather than focusing exclusively on archival footage, the film brings other accomplished drummers into the discussion by asking them to tackle some of Peart’s famously demanding drum parts.
The lineup includes 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 participate in the documentary, providing another connection to the Canadian rock group’s history and Peart’s contributions to its sound.
Leading Drummers Take on Peart’s Demanding Performances
The participation of internationally recognized drummers gives the documentary a performance-driven approach to examining Peart’s musicianship. Their attempts to interpret his drum parts are intended to illustrate the technical demands and creative decisions behind his work.
Peart joined Rush in 1974 and became a central creative force within the band, serving both as drummer and principal lyricist. Alongside Lee and Lifeson, he helped establish Rush as one of Canada’s most internationally recognized rock acts.
The documentary’s combination of live performances and personal observations aims to provide audiences with insight into both the musician and the techniques that shaped his reputation.
Peart died in 2020 at the age of 67.
Documentary to Make World Premiere at TIFF 2026
“Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple” is scheduled to hold its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026.
The screening is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. EDT at the VISA Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre in downtown Toronto.
Its inclusion in TIFF gives the documentary a prominent Canadian launch and connects the film’s debut to the country where Rush was formed and built its early following before developing an international audience.
The project also brings together established Canadian entertainment companies. Banger Films, the Toronto-based production company co-founded by McFadyen and Dunn, has built a catalogue centred heavily on music documentaries and factual programming. Elevation Pictures is also involved as a producer.
Republic Pictures Acquires Rights Outside Canada
While CBC will serve Canadian audiences, the documentary has also secured distribution beyond the domestic market. Republic Pictures has acquired the film outside Canada, positioning the project for broader international exposure.
The arrangement reflects the global audience surrounding Rush and Peart, whose influence extends well beyond the Canadian music industry.
The documentary’s roster of participating musicians also highlights that reach, bringing together artists associated with several major international rock acts and different generations of drumming.
CBC and CBC Gem Premiere Scheduled for September 23
Canadian viewers who do not attend the TIFF premiere will have an opportunity to watch the documentary one week later.
“Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple” is scheduled to make its broadcast and streaming premiere on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 8 p.m., or 8:30 p.m. NT, on CBC and CBC Gem in Canada.
The release places the documentary across theatrical festival, television and digital streaming channels within a short period, providing multiple routes for Canadian audiences to see the production.
For CBC and the Canadian companies behind the project, the documentary combines a recognizable domestic cultural figure with an international music audience. For Rush followers, it offers a new examination of Peart’s work through archival material, the perspectives of his bandmates and performances from musicians who continue to grapple with the complexity of the drumming he left behind.