“Song Sung Blue” is set to have its world premiere at AFI Fest on Oct. 26.
The Focus Feature film starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson is also the festival’s closing night movie.
‘Song Sung Blue’ With Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson Named as Closing Night Film at AFI Fest
Based on a true story, the film follows two down-on-their-luck musicians, played by Jackman and Kate , who form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band, proving it’s never too late to find love and follow your dreams. The film is produced by John Davis (p.g.a.), John Fox (p.g.a.) and Craig Brewer (p.g.a.) and features Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, King Princess, Mustafa Shakir, Hudson Hensley, with Fisher Stevens, and Jim Belushi.
In a statement, Bob Gazzale, AFI president and CEO said,“AFI FEST is proud to close our annual celebration of excellence and artistry with the World Premiere of ‘Song Sung Blue’ – a timely film about love and resilience – music and magic. Audiences will leave the theater chanting the refrain of ‘Sweet Caroline’ – so good, so good, so good!”
The film will be released nationwide in theaters on Dec. 25.
As previously announced, “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” is set to open AFI Fest on Oct. 22.
The 20th Century Studios biographical music drama stars Jeremy Allen White as rock legend Bruce Springsteen. Written and directed by Scott Cooper, the film is adapted from the biography by Warren Zanes. “Deliver Me From Nowhere” takes place at an early ’80s crossroads in Springsteen’s career when he was rising to fame while crafting the personal acoustic songs for the 1982 album “Nebraska.” At the same time, he was recording the demos for “Born in the U.S.A.” — the hit that would catapult him to global stardom.
Jeremy Strong stars as Jon Landau, Springsteen’s manager and record producer, and Odessa Young plays the love interest of the Boss.
Gazzale said, “AFI Fest is the stage and the screens where the world’s stories come together in Hollywood.” He added, “To open with ‘Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere’
honors the global impact of an American icon and the true artistry it takes to tell his tale.”
Cooper added, “It’s a true honor to open AFI Fest with ‘Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere.’ AFI has always championed bold, meaningful storytelling, and I’m grateful to be part of that tradition. While Bruce’s roots will forever be in New Jersey, Los Angeles played a profound role in shaping his artistic voice. I want to thank Bob Gazzale and everyone at AFI for this extraordinary privilege.”
The 39th edition of the Institute’s annual film festival will take place Oct. 22-26 at the TCL Chinese Theatres. AFI Fest features a curated selection of red carpet premiere screenings, special screenings, world cinema, documentaries and short films. The full festival lineup will be unveiled on Sept. 30. Individual tickets will be available on Oct. 6.
“Deliver Me From Nowhere” will be released in theaters in the United States on Oct. 24.
