The Mushroom Group have added to their stable, launching Long Play Music Films a film distribution and production company focused on exhibiting music documentaries, biopics and concert films.
Emer Reynolds' 2020 documentary 'Songs For While I'm Away' – about the life and music of Irish musician-poet Phil Lynott (of Thin Lizzy) – will be the first film released by Long Play Music Films, with a limited run season from 29 September."I'm really pleased to see Long Play Music Films spring to life with our first theatrical release," Warren Costello, Director of Long Play Music Films says.
"What started out as a fun side project is now a reality as Long Play aspires to help tell unique and wonderful music stories from around the globe.
"We aim to offer screenings of new release music documentaries in cinema comfort and with enhanced sound so that audiences can experience these films as they were meant to be seen and heard."
Winner of Doc 'n Roll's Best Doc 2020 award, 'Songs For While I'm Away' is told extensively through the words of Phil himself as well as interviews with family members, friends and fellow musicians like U2's Adam Clayton, Metallica's James Hetfield, Suzi Quatro, Huey Lewis, Scott Gorham, Midge Ure.
The film tracks Phil's rise from being "the only black kid in Ireland" and "a working-class lad who took on the world," (Midge Ure) to become "one of the greatest songwriters of all time," (James Hetfield).
"He knew the power of the words," notes Adam Clayton. The movie also features footage from Thin Lizzy's famous 1978 performance on the steps of the Sydney Opera House.
'Songs For While I’m Away' will have its Australian premiere at the Irish Film Festival (3-12 September) including a Q&A with director Emer Reynolds.
It then gets a limited release season in cinemas from 29 September. Tickets on sale from 19 August. More information.
