Heaven Adores You is an intimate portrait of the life and music of Elliott Smith, who died unexpectedly at the age of 34 in 2003. The film receives its Irish Premiere at the IFI as part of First Fortnight on January 10
In this new documentary, director Nickolas Rossi creates a framework for Elliott to narrate the story of his life himself, through the filter of recorded conversations and interviews.
The film begins in 1998, a year in which Elliott receives an Oscar nomination for his song Miss Misery for the film Good Will Hunting, and his album XO receives acclaim.
An interviewer inquires about his declaration that he’d never be a rock star. Elliott thoughtfully replies, “I’m the wrong kind of person to be really big and famous…”
The IFI is teaming up with the First Fortnight festival - which challenges mental health prejudice through the creative arts in the first fortnight of every year - to present two films that explore creativity and mental health.
Aside from the screening of Heaven Adores You (Jan 10, 4pm), Abandoned Goods (January 3, 2pm) is a short essay film that explores the Adamson collection. This is one of the most important collections of British ‘asylum art’ that was created by patients at the Netherne psychiatric hospital in art research studios established by pioneering art therapist Edward Adamson from 1946-81.
Both films will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A.
Tickets are priced €9 and are available from the IFI Box Office on 01 679 3477, online at www.ifi.ie
