On Saturday, Sony Pictures Classics announced that it had acquired a documentary on legendary singer-songwriter John Prine. Titled John Prine: Hello In There, the film was directed by Zachary Fuhrer and produced by Rolling Stone‘s Patrick Doyle.
Last year, Prine released a new album, The Tree Of Forgiveness, marking the artist’s first album of original music in 13 years. Filming for John Prine: Hello In There began ahead of the record’s release, following the country star as he promoted the album, performed at a guest-heavy show at Radio City Music Hall, and was selected for induction into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame. The documentary also features extensive interviews with Prine’s friends and peers, as well as younger artists influenced by the prolific musician, including Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell and Margo Price.
As producer Patrick Doyle stated to Rolling Stone about the upcoming picture:
Spending time with John Prine over the last year, we’ve learned that he is just as insightful — and hilarious — in everyday life as he is in his songs. From playing at pubs in western Ireland to the Ryman Auditorium, there is nobody better at spellbinding a room. For the last 50 years, he’s been a voice for the overworked, underpaid and forgotten, and our current political times have made his songs even more relevant. He is a Johnny Cash-level talent we are lucky to still have performing, and he was kind enough to let us in on his life: making breakfast at home in Nashville, preparing for the biggest show of his life at Radio City and more.
Added director Zachary Fuhrer in a statement,
As John’s band members like to say, ‘There are two types of people: those who love John Prine and those who haven’t heard of him yet.’ John’s philosophy on life — finding comedy in tragedy — is the heart of the film; his stories a daily reminder that there’s always a way to laugh at your own misfortune.
Currently, John Prine: Hello In There is in post-production. Sony Pictures Classics plans to roll out the film with a theatrical release in the future.
