I had the chance to see a great new documentary last night from the team at Late Night & Weekends – “Still Bill”, a rare and unique look at Bill Withers – the man behind “Lovely Day”, “Use Me”, “Grandma’s Hands”, “Ain’t No Sunshine”, “Just the Two of Us”. I missed it at SXSW and was curious to get a glimpse into the world of a man whose music is so iconically American – or at least what American used to mean – hopes and dreams grounded on a foundation of reality and hard work.
The film’s Directors Alex Vlack and Damani Baker seem to have slowly and steadily gained the respect and trust of a man who always put his family before his career and often shied from the lime-light. The film returns this respect and trust, offering a profile of Bill Withers as a man, husband and father first, musician second. It is beautifully shot and a pleasure to watch.
“Still Bill” is playing this week at Silverdocs if you are in the area – June 18th at 9PM and June 21st at 12:15PM both at the AFI Theater – visit www.stillbillthemovie.com for full info on screenings.
-Leah
