ABOUT THE PROJECT
LOGLINE
In 1980, legendary New York rocker Willie Nile was hailed “The Next Big Thing,” but disappeared from the scene soon after. Since his reemergence in the 2000s, Willie has been making music as if to recover lost time. At 77, he remains largely unknown. Yet, his dreams are still alive.
SYNOPSIS
New York-based rock and roll singer/songwriter Willie Nile signed with major label Arista Records in 1980 and opened for The Who on their North American tour. He was lauded as “The Next Big Thing,” but walked away from the music business in 1982, moved back to his hometown of Buffalo, and raised a family. It was only at the age of 55 that Willie decided to give his music career one last shot. “Willie is like Benjamin Button,” says former MTV executive Bill Flanagan. “His career has been totally backwards.”
Since his return, Willie has recorded many critically acclaimed albums and has earned a reputation as a brilliant live performer. Not only is he adored by a dedicated international fan base, but also by the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Lucinda Williams, and Kiefer Sutherland—all of whom appear in the film. Now 77 and living in his bohemian Greenwich Village apartment, Willie’s music is still under the radar.
ONE GUITAR follows Willie closely through his current everyday life and establishes him as a charismatic, witty, and thoughtful character who is as tied to his Greenwich Village neighborhood as he is to his big-hearted Buffalo family. The film shows him giving it all on stage, being out on the street lending an ear to his neighbors and the homeless, and spending time with his 108-year-old father in Buffalo. And it shows him working hard to make ends meet and pursuing his dreams as an artist.
Against the culturally diverse backdrop of New York City, ONE GUITAR is a film about hope and never giving up, existential struggles, the hardship of aging, and the unbroken belief in the guitar as an instrument of social change. Most of all, it’s about Willie Nile’s infectious passion and optimism, characteristics much needed in today’s world.
PROJECT TYPE Documentary Feature
DIRECTOR Lukas Maurer
SCREENWRITER Lukas Maurer
PRODUCER Lukas Maurer
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