Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-08-05
Zella Day + Jesse Woods - photo credit 'Bleeding Hearts'
Texas-based alt-country group Chaparelle will be the subject of the upcoming documentary Bleeding Hearts, which is set to make its world premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival.
Directed by Andrew Morgan, the 97-minute documentary follows musicians Zella Day and Jesse Woods as they form Chaparelle with collaborator Beau Bedford. The film offers an intimate portrait of the real-life couple as they pursue a shared musical vision while navigating the emotional and professional pressures that come with building a band together.
Rather than presenting a polished highlight reel, Bleeding Hearts focuses on the uncertainty, sacrifice, and vulnerability involved in chasing a creative dream with someone you love.
The film’s official synopsis describes it as “a music-driven love story” following Day and Woods through their first year together. As Chaparelle begins to take shape, the couple confronts pressures that could lead either to a breakup or a breakthrough.
TIFF documentary programmer Thom Powers called the film a potential discovery for both director Morgan and Chaparelle.
“You don’t get that many documentary love stories, but this is truly one in its portrait of the two main figures in Chaparelle, Zella Day and Jesse Woods,” Powers said. “There are times watching this that I felt like it could have been a season of TV’s Nashville, watching a young Rayna and Deacon on their journey in music.”
Chaparelle blends the individual talents of Day and Woods with Bedford’s musical direction, creating a sound rooted in alt-country, Americana, and classic songwriting traditions.
The 2026 Toronto International Film Festival runs September 10–20. The exact premiere date and screening details for Bleeding Hearts will be announced through TIFF.
For more information about Chaparelle, visit chaparellemusic.com.
