The Tribka Film Festival was inaugurated this year with the documentary “Billy Joel: and so on”, but Billy Joel himself, the main figure of the documentary, was not present at the ceremony. He had announced last week that he had “hydrocephalus with natural pressure” and this causes cancellation. ConcertThe ahead of his fans was concerned.
However, the directors and producers of this two -part work that will be broadcast on HBA’s network believe that his condition is improving. “He will be fine,” said Susan Lacey, a documentary director, in a conversation with the Hollywood Reporter before Wednesday night show. It only requires the recovery and physiotherapy period that has begun. “Doctors told him yesterday that he will improve.”
Lie and his colleague Jessica Levin insisted that Joel preserved his spirit and said in a message read at the beginning of the film, “It is better than burn.”
Steve Cohen, the old lighting director of Billy Joel and documentary executive producer, also said at the ceremony that he had spoken to him the same day. “He’s good, on the path to recovery and treatment,” he continued. He called me and said I am proud of your work. I didn’t think you could get here. He’s a good person, very good. He is spending time with the family now and focusing on his health. Doctors’ forecasts are also positive. The most important thing for me is to be healthy and to enjoy this period of his life. “He has experienced everything, climbed to the highest peaks, and has reached whatever a human being.”
However, the team acknowledged that his absence at the ceremony had a bitter and sweet feeling. “We wanted to be here, and he really wanted to come,” Lacey said.
But one of the producers, Pildds added: “It’s hard, but this is part of the reality of the human body. This documentary is celebrating for her; For his art and whatever he created. We just wished he could be with us. “
Although Billy Joel failed to go to New York’s Bacon Theater, the opening ceremony was attended by figures such as Wupping Goldberg, Mariska Hargita, Mira Sorvino and Tom Hanks. Hanks, along with his partner Gary Gotzmann, has been a documentary producer.
Robert DeNiro and Jane Rosental, the founders of the Tribka Festival, also attended the ceremony, and at the beginning of their speech, Billy Joel’s famous songs such as “Migration”, “Only Good Wells Die”, “New York Mental State” and “Maybe You’re Right”.
“Our hearts are with Billy Joel and his family,” said DeNiro and Rosental. He is not only a global myth in music, but also an integral part of New York’s cultural identity. “We support him with pride and love and wish him complete health.”
Only the first part of the documentary “and such forgiveness” was shown on the opening night. Both parts of the documentary will be broadcast this summer on the HBO network and the Max platform.
Translator: Reyhaneh Eskandari
Source: Hollywoodproter
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