A new Jimi Hendrix documentary is in the works
The first-ever feature-length documentary about Jimi Hendrix to be authorised by the musician’s estate is on the way. Made with the blessing of his family, a famed music documentary director has signed on to helm the project.
Jimi Hendrix is one of the most renowned, respected and beloved figures in musical history. Despite living a tragically short life as he died at the age of 27, his musical legacy has made his memory live on through generations now, and he is widely regarded as one of history’s most talented guitarists.
There are also countless fascinating stories from throughout the musician’s life, from the night he took Woodstock by storm to his passionate personality as a music fan just as much as a music maker. But, until now, the telling of those tales had never been approved by his family.
However, a brand new feature-length documentary about the artist has been green-lit by his state. The people in charge of Hendrix’s legacy have never said yes to a documentary or never given it their stamp of approval. But a new picture has been given the go-ahead, meaning that the upcoming film, to be titled Jimi, will be a thorough magnum opus on the artist with deeper access than anyone has been granted before.
Jimi will tell the story of a “transformational period in music history when Jimi Hendrix set the world – and his guitar – on fire”, according to the documentary’s press release.
It is also in incredibly capable hands. Bao Nguyen has signed onto the project, fresh off the back of making The Greatest Night In Pop. In that recent documentary, he dove into the recording of the charity track ‘We Are the World’ and the story attached to it as music’s biggest names were gathered for one night. The documentary has a 98% review rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is nominated for an Emmy.
Speaking about the project, Jimi, Nguyen said, “Telling the story of Jimi Hendrix during his pivotal years in London is both a profound honor and a unique responsibility. London has always been a city that inspires me.”
However, with great responsibility certainly comes a level of pressure, but the director promised, “I approach this project with deep respect for his legacy and the cultural significance he holds as an American original.”
Hendrix’s sister Janie has given the project her blessing, saying, “Just as Bao Nguyen has achieved in his films highlighting the lives of other iconic figures who influenced pop culture, this presentation of Jimi’s London experience will be inspiring and informative—a story told the way it should be.”
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