“Blaze” Red Carpet and Q&A with Ethan Hawke, Ben Dickey & More at SXSW 2018 [Video]

Directed by Ethan Hawke, 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. The film weaves together three different periods of time, braiding re-imagined versions of Foley’s past, present, and future. The different strands 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.

The film has an all star billing of Benjamin Dickey, Alia Shawkat, Charlie Sexton, Josh Hamilton, Wyatt Russell, Jenn Lyon, Kris Kristofferson, Sam Rockwell, Steve Zahn, and Richard Linklater. Hawke co-wrote the film with Rosen.

"It's been 29 years since he [Blaze Foley] died and he's about to be played through the biggest amplifier he's ever been through."- Benjamin Dickey

The SXSW Film Festival screening of Blaze marks the sixth time that Rosen had watched the film, "I still have this feeling of disbelief. I can't believe from this little seed that was planted in a tree house; these songs grew, a life grew, and forty years later the music inspired Ethan. Blaze's music will be out in the world in a way it's never been before and that is so moving to me," said Rosen.

Watch coverage from the red carpet and Q&A moderated by SXSW Director of Film Janet Pierson. Blaze is currently playing in theaters.

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Blaze - Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images