The Torch, based on Buddy Guy's life, to premiere at Chicago International Film Festival

Emmy Award-winning director Jim Farrell's first docu feature traces the life and work of blues musician Buddy Guy.
Buddy Guy
Buddy Guy

Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Jim Farrell's debut documentary film, The Torch on eight-time Grammy winner Buddy Guy has been chosen as the closing film at the prestigious Chicago International Film Festival that will run from October 16 to 27. 

Produced by Cinestaan Film Company along with IFC Films, The Torch will be co-presented by Mahindra Blues festival and is a testament to the legendary Blues musician Buddy Guy's rise to fame from very humble beginnings. An exponent of Chicago blues, 83-year-old Guy has influenced many a famous guitarist including Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Keith Richards and John Mayer.

<em>Buddy Guy and Junior Wells</em>
Buddy Guy and Junior Wells

The film captures his relentless endeavours to ensure that the Blues music does not die by handing on the torch to his protege Quinn Sullivan, who debuted on stage with him when he was only six years of age.

The moving docu feature that's replete with electrifying musical performances also showcases the guidance that Guy himself got from legends like Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf and how he did the same to the next generation of musicians.

<em>Buddy Guy</em>
Buddy Guy

“Buddy’s relentless crusade to keep Blues music alive for future generations needs to be shared with the world, and I can’t think of a better place to premiere this film than the 55th Chicago International Film Festival 2019. And I couldn't have asked for better partners than Cinestaan and IFC," says Farrell, ahead of the film's premiere at the revered festival, which is in its 55th year. 

“The spirit of this film is the importance of legacy. The act of passing on knowledge, experience, and opportunity is what fuels the artistic community. In the instance of The Torch, it’s about a musical legacy and homespun tradition being carried on through younger generations,” says Arianna Bocco, EVP of Acquisitions and Productions of IFC Films. 

<em>Buddy Guy</em>
Buddy Guy

A boutique film studio committed to nurturing rich cinematic legacy, Cinestaan Film Company develops, produces, sells and distributes films across the world and they were the executive producers of three Academy Awards-nominated film Cold War.

“The Torch was one of the very first films commissioned by Cinestaan Film Company and as such carries a special place in my heart. It is particularly special because we made the decision to back this film after seeing Buddy introduce and perform with Quinn live at the Mahindra Blues Festival in Mumbai,” says Anand Mahindra, producer of the film.

While The Torch will be showcased on October 27, their other production, Bombay Rose directed by Geetanjali Rao is still doing the rounds of international festivals.

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