We’re always eager and excited to see films from Texas born-and-bred talents. One such individual is Austin native, Ethan Hawke. His new movie, Blaze, premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival where newcomer Ben Dickey’s performance won him the Special Jury Award for Achievement in Acting.
Dickey stars as Blaze Foley, the unsung songwriting legend of the Texas outlaw music movement that spawned from the likes of Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson. The film weaves together three different periods of time, braiding re-imagined versions of Blaze’s past, present, and future which explore his love affair with Sybil Rosen; his last, dark night on earth; and the impact of his songs and his death had on his fans, friends, and foes, as well as the impressions he made on the people who shared his journey. Co-written by Hawke and Sybil Rosen, Blaze is based on Rosen’s memoir Living in the Woods in a Tree: Remembering Blaze Foley.
Blaze is inspired by the life of Blaze Foley, the unsung songwriting legend of the Texas outlaw music movement that spawned the likes of Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson.
Blaze is directed by Ethan Hawke and stars Ben Dickey, Alia Shawkat, Josh Hamilton, and Charlie Sexton. At its core, Blaze is a celebration of everything Texas. Hawke and Sundance Selects have decided to do something very unique and bring the film to the Lone Star State FIRST – releasing here before New York and Los Angeles. Austin (Hawke’s hometown) will be the first market in the nation to open the film on August 17th with additional Texas cities to follow in the following weeks. Hawke will be bringing the film to Texas ahead of the N.Y. and L.A. releases.
Note: All music in the film is by Blaze Foley, Townes Van Zandt and Ben Dickey. The Original Cast Soundtrack is forthcoming from Light In The Attic Records.
