“Glen Campbell…I’ll Be Me,” directed and produced by James Keach (producer of Walk The Line) and produced by Trevor Albert (Groundhog Day), will have its world premiere at the 2014 Nashville Film Festival on April 18th. This powerful portrait of the life and career of great American music icon Glen Campbell opens to the viewer the world of the singular talent who created hits like Rhinestone Cowboy, Wichita Lineman and Gentle on My Mind and who was was known for his gospel music. Winner of the Grammy for Lifetime Achievement and member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Glen was the first country music star to cross over to the pop charts, opening a new realm of opportunity for generations of country musicians.
In 2011, when Campbell was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, he joined forces with his family to fight the biggest battle of his life. Glen and his wife, Kim, made history by going public with the diagnosis – the first time a major American celebrity would share this experience with the world. The Campbell family then embarked on a short “Goodbye Tour,” but the three-week engagement turned into an emotional and triumphant 151-show nationwide tour de force. This epic human drama about the undying bond between Glen and Kim, and their unwavering caring for each other, chronicles a story of love, resilience and the power of song. GLEN CAMPBELL…I’LL BE ME is the true tale of how America’s greatest country star would not give up his music or his family, against all odds.
The film features those who know and love Glen, including Bruce Springsteen, Bill Clinton, The Edge, Paul McCartney, Jay Leno, Vince Gil, Jimmy Web, Blake Shelton, Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Steve Martin, Chad Smith and Taylor Swift among many others. Rare vintage footage and extraordinary new performances of Glen’s most beloved hits immerse this moving cinematic account in the overwhelming talent of this humble family man. With joy and a tireless sense of humor, Glen and his family live each moment in the present while preparing for the future, all while playing their music to sold out venues on a star spangled voyage spanning the country from Carnegie Hall to the Hollywood Bowl.
Director James Keach says, “Of all the movies I’ve ever made, this is the most special because of the characters, that’s what the audience falls in love with no matter what the action in the film. In this case of the character of Glen Campbell, who was the original crossover musical genius, we have a man who is told to end his career and he does the opposite, inspiring the rest of us to live our lives in the moment and to be ourselves no matter what — with no shame. He’s been down a rocky road and he still has a smile on his face and a song in his heart. That’s Glen. For him to ask me to tell his story was something I had to do, this tale potentially had so much sadness but in the end it’s a triumph and aims to achieve Glen’s dream to tell it like it is. As Glen says, “I’ve laughed and I’ve cried…it’s a hell of a lot better to laugh.”
Producer Trevor Albert adds, “What a miraculous, joyous and poignant ride we have been on with the Campbell family. The story that unfolded in the course of Glen’s goodbye tour was filled with more drama, comedy and entertainment than any movie I’ve ever been involved with.”
PCH, the producer of the film, is partnering with Area23a, an event based theatrical distribution company, co-founded by Kirt Eftekhar and Richard Abramowitz for a unique hybrid theatrical release through a combination of special event screenings this summer, culminating with a full national release of the film to coincide with Alzheimer’s Awareness Month this fall. Nationwide screenings will be designed to provoke meaningful conversations about Alzheimer’s that include resources for patients and families dealing with the disease.
World Premiere in Nashville
Friday, April 18th at 7:00pm
Regal Green Hills Cinema, 3815 Green Hills Village Drive, Nashville, Tenn.
More about Glen Campbell at:Country Star Glen Campbell Has Alzheimer’s — Profile of a Rhinestone Cowboy
Country-gospel legend Glen Campbell fighting Alzheimer’s disease
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