A documentary about late songwriter Elliott Smith was successfully funded back in 2011, and now the film has formally been announced. The Nickolas Rossi-directed Heaven Adores You will make its world premiere at the San Francisco International Film Festival on May 5.
Although this isn't the first documentary about Smith, it's apparently the first one to get permission to use his music. It was made in partnership with the songwriter's personal acquaintances, who granted the filmmakers access to unheard songs, private photos and archival footage.
Among the folks who participated in the film are Jon Brion, Larry Crane, Rob Schnapf, Slim Moon, Smith's sister Ashley, and more.
In a statement, Rossi said that the film is intended to celebrate Smith's life rather that focus on his death. He said [via Pitchfork], "Heaven Adores You aims to be just that: A visual, melodic love letter of sorts to a musical genius, in the environments that he knew best: Portland, New York, and Los Angeles. By having Elliott guide us himself, via recorded conversations and interviews, I am hopeful that he can tell his own story once and for all, surrounded by the people who loved him dearly."
Watch a trailer for the film below. It remains to be seen when this will receive a wide release.
UPDATE: The film will get its international premiere in Toronto as part of CMW on May 10. You can learn more about the premiere here.
Although this isn't the first documentary about Smith, it's apparently the first one to get permission to use his music. It was made in partnership with the songwriter's personal acquaintances, who granted the filmmakers access to unheard songs, private photos and archival footage.
Among the folks who participated in the film are Jon Brion, Larry Crane, Rob Schnapf, Slim Moon, Smith's sister Ashley, and more.
In a statement, Rossi said that the film is intended to celebrate Smith's life rather that focus on his death. He said [via Pitchfork], "Heaven Adores You aims to be just that: A visual, melodic love letter of sorts to a musical genius, in the environments that he knew best: Portland, New York, and Los Angeles. By having Elliott guide us himself, via recorded conversations and interviews, I am hopeful that he can tell his own story once and for all, surrounded by the people who loved him dearly."
Watch a trailer for the film below. It remains to be seen when this will receive a wide release.
UPDATE: The film will get its international premiere in Toronto as part of CMW on May 10. You can learn more about the premiere here.
