Neil Peart Documentary ‘No One’s Disciple’ Set for TIFF World Premiere

“Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple,” a documentary chronicling the life of late Rush drummer Neil Peart, is scheduled to have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 16, 2026. The film, directed by Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn, will later air on Canada’s CBC network on September 23, 2026, as part of the “The Passionate Eye” series.

• McFadyen and Dunn previously co-directed the 2010 Rush documentary “Beyond the Lighted Stage.”
• Additional public screenings are set for September 19, 2026, with an extra screening reported for September 17.
• The 2026 Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 10 through September 20.
• Reported runtimes vary between outlets, with some listing the film at 96 minutes and Billboard reporting a 106-minute cut.

What Is ‘Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple’ About?

The documentary traces Peart’s difficult early years as a working musician before following his rapid ascent to fame with Rush. Its TIFF synopsis describes the project as “an exhilarating and poignant tribute” to the drummer, built from archival footage, new interviews and fresh musical performances.

Rush co-founders Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson appear throughout the film alongside recollections from a number of celebrated drummers who speak to Peart’s influence and character. Director Sam Dunn told CTV News’s Andria Case that he hopes the documentary shows audiences a side of Peart beyond his renown as a drummer, lyricist and author, saying he wants viewers to see that Peart was “also a very loyal and loving friend, an inspiration to a lot of people.”

Which Drummers Appear in the Film?

The documentary features Lee and Lifeson performing Rush songs live for the cameras, with four acclaimed drummers taking turns behind the kit in Peart’s place: Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stewart Copeland of The Police, Danny Carey of Tool and Gavin Harrison, known for his work with King Crimson and Porcupine Tree.

Neil Peart’s Death and His Private Battle With Cancer

Peart died on January 7, 2020, in Santa Monica, California, at age 67, following a three-year fight against glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. In 2022, Geddy Lee discussed the diagnosis publicly for the first time on the Canadian talk show “House of Strombo,” revealing that Peart had chosen to keep his illness private and that doctors had initially given him 18 months to live, though he survived three and a half years.

Lee explained that he and Lifeson felt compelled to mislead fans during that period in order to honor Peart’s wish for privacy. “So fuck the dishonesty part,” Lee said, describing the choice to protect his bandmate’s confidentiality as an act of loyalty rather than deception.

More Info

• ‘Consummate Professional, But Stubborn As A Mule’: Geddy Lee And Alex Lifeson Remember Late Rush Bandmate Neil Peart | Ultimate Guitar News
• NEIL PEART Documentary Maker Hopes Film Will Reveal Iconic RUSH Drummer Was A Very Loyal And Loving Friend | Blabbermouth
• Neil Peart documentary No One’s Disciple will premiere at Toronto International Film Festival next month | Louder / Classic Rock
• In Canada: BTS J-Hope RM Attend Drakes Toronto Concert; Neil Peart Doc Premiering atTIFF | Billboard