Fresh from its world premiere at the Sun Valley Film Festival, Bastards of Soul expanded its fanbase at an exclusive screening event and Q&A at SoHo House in Austin on March 13. The packed screening was followed by an emotional chat among director-producer Paul Levatino and his directors of photography Jeremy Word and Zack Tzourtzouklis, the latter of whom also served as editor on the film. Sitting down with The Hollywood Reporter contributing editor Stacey Wilson Hunt, the trio revealed how a short film about the popular Dallas soul/R&B group Bastards of Soul became an accidental tribute to its charismatic lead singer.
Levatino shared that initially, the plan was to create a short film about the making of the band's new album. However, the unexpected passing of lead singer Chadwick Murray led to a change in direction. Murray, aged 45 and anticipating his first child with his wife, Hannah, passed away from a mysterious illness in September 2021, leaving the filmmakers in a state of grief and shock.
The tragic event transformed the project into a feature film endeavor to honor Murray's legacy and complete the band's third and final album, Give It Right Back. Despite the unforeseen circumstances, the filmmakers recognized the significance of the footage they had captured. Word expressed that everyone involved knew they had something special on their hands.
Tzourtzouklis highlighted the collaborative and ego-free nature of the production process, emphasizing a shared goal among the team. Levatino reflected on the documentary's message of 'Don't wait for tomorrow,' underscoring its poignant relevance in light of the project's journey.
As Levatino and his team anticipate a wider release for the film, they remain committed to preserving Murray's story and the band's musical legacy. The documentary stands as a tribute to a talented artist and a reminder of the importance of seizing the present moment.
