Liza Minnelli Documentary Acquired by Kino Lorber and Zeitgeist Films: A Deep Dive into an Icon’s Life
Liza Minnelli Documentary: A Deep Dive into the Life and Career of a Legendary Star
A Captivating Portrait of Liza Minnelli’s Journey
Kino Lorber and Zeitgeist Films have officially secured the North American rights to Bruce David Klein’s feature documentary, Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story. This engaging film explores the extraordinary career and personal life of the legendary Liza Minnelli, showcasing her rise to fame against a backdrop of profound challenges.
A Star is Born: The Documentary’s Journey
This captivating documentary made its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival last summer and has since graced several other prestigious film festivals, including the Hamptons Film Festival and the Provincetown Film Festival. It was also featured as a Centerpiece at the NewFest LGBTQ+ Film Festival. Zeitgeist Films is planning a theatrical run at the IFC Center in early 2025, followed by a national rollout, ensuring that Minnelli’s story reaches audiences across the country.
Behind the Scenes: What to Expect from Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story
Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story offers a deep dive into Minnelli’s life during the tumultuous 1970s. This period, marked by the tragic death of her mother, Judy Garland, was pivotal in shaping Liza’s career and personal identity. The documentary paints a vivid picture of her journey as she navigates both personal and professional hurdles to establish herself as a true legend in the entertainment industry.
Mentors and Influences
Throughout these challenging years, Minnelli sought guidance from a variety of extraordinary mentors, including Kay Thompson, Fred Ebb, Charles Aznavour, Halston, and Bob Fosse. The documentary features intimate interviews with her friends and colleagues, such as Michael Feinstein, Mia Farrow, Ben Vereen, Chita Rivera, and Joel Grey, who all share their insights into what makes Minnelli a unique talent.
Enthusiastic Reception: Critics Praise the Documentary
The response to Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story has been overwhelmingly positive. With a perfect score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes based on nine reviews, critics are praising the documentary as a heartfelt tribute to one of the world’s most remarkable talents. Zeitgeist Co-Presidents Emily Russo and Nancy Gerstman expressed their excitement about releasing the film, noting its potential to delight longtime fans of Minnelli while also attracting a new generation of admirers.
Director’s Vision: Bringing Liza’s Story to Life
Bruce David Klein, the film’s director, articulated his admiration for Minnelli, stating, “Liza’s electricity as an actress and performer is a wonder to behold. I’m thrilled to work with the Zeitgeist team to bring this complex and surprising story of ‘how Liza became Liza’ to theatrical audiences across the USA.” His vision for the documentary captures the essence of Minnelli’s journey, celebrating her resilience and talent.
Conclusion: A Must-See for Fans and Newcomers Alike
As Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story prepares for its theatrical release, anticipation is building among fans and critics alike. This documentary not only highlights the life and career of Liza Minnelli but also serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to her work, this documentary promises to be a compelling and emotional experience.
