‘On the Road’ Doc Film ‘Kerouac’s Road: The Beat of a Nation’ Trailer

‘On the Road’ Doc Film ‘Kerouac’s Road: The Beat of a Nation’ Trailer

by Alex Billington
July 11, 2025
Source: YouTube

“Kerouac wanted to get out and experience something bigger…” “With all the savage irresponsibility that that comes with.” Freestyle Releasing has debuted the trailer for a documentary titled Kerouac’s Road: The Beat of a Nation, ready for release in theaters this August. It just premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival and it will also play at the Locarno Film Festival in August. Kerouac’s Road explores Jack Kerouac’s iconic novel “On the Road” through today’s lens, as celebrities & travelers reflect on legitimate experiences in our digital age, echoing the novel’s timeless search for genuine connection. The film introduces us to “on-the-roaders” and other fans of the book. Featuring Josh Brolin, W. Kamau Bell, Matt Dillon, and many more, it reveals a rarely seen side of Kerouac and offers a fresh take on On the Road and its lasting impact on America. In this state-of-the-art era defined by screens and constant connectivity we can all still learn from the book and Kerouac’s journey, and what it means to engage in real time with the path we’re on. Sounds good.

Official trailer for Ebs Burnough’s doc Kerouac’s Road: The Beat of a Nation, direct from YouTube:

The documentary Kerouac’s Road: The Beat of a Nation explores how the legacy of Jack Kerouac’s iconic novel On the Road (published in 1957) reflects in today’s America. Interweaving stories of modern-day “on-the-roaders” who share connections to Kerouac’s life, alongside those influenced by him or knew and loved him. Featured participants include Josh Brolin, W. Kamau Bell, Natalie Merchant, Matt Dillon, Jay McInerney, Joyce Johnson. On the Road remains as relevant today as it was in the 1950s, but both the book and Kerouac himself have never been explored in this way before. While based on the American road, On the Road inspired people globally to get out of where they are and engage in the world around them. Kerouac’s Road: The Beat of a Nation is directed by American doc producer / filmmaker Ebs Burnough, director of the other doc film The Capote Tapes (2019) previously. It’s produced by Eliza Hindmarch, John Battsek, and Ebs Burnough. This just premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival last month. Freestyle will debut Kerouac’s Road doc film in select US theaters starting August 1st, 2025 coming soon. Who’s down?

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