EXCLUSIVE: Aus Director Talks Bill Frisell Doco Ahead Of World Premiere At SXSW

In just two weeks the SXSW Film Festival kicks off which will feature the world premiere of a documentary on iconic guitarist Bill Frisell, directed by Aussie filmmaker, Emma Franz.

Directed, produced, shot and edited by Franz herself, Bill Frisell, A Portrait, will give fans and music lovers an insight into the life of the legendary jazz musician both on and off stage.

"I’ve just long been an admirer of his music," Franz tells The Music.

"I'm also interested in trying to make films about musicians who aren’t all about career and limelight. Bill is such an incredible artist but remains humble in his approach.

"His music is intriguing, because there aren't many people like him who can play across so many genres and retain a singular sound."

Emma Franz. Pic by Jaeik

Franz says that asking Frisell to work on the project, which also includes interviews with the likes of Paul Simon and Bonnie Raitt, was reflective of the 65-year-old musician’s personality.

"It's funny, because when I approached him about doing the film, the first thing he said was, 'Me? What's so interesting about me?'

"But he had liked the sensibility of my last film (2008's Intangible Asset No 82), so he was more than happy to give it a go."

Franz is the only filmmaker to have had two films played at SXSW and she will be joined by Frisell for a special Q&A after the documentary is screened on 13 March.

"I do hope that people who aren't yet aware of him will be opened to his music and new ideas through the film," Franz says.

"I want people to leave the film feeling they've had the opportunity to 'hang out' with a master and been enriched in the process."

Watch the full trailer below.