"Patti Smith: Dream of LIfe" film opens Oct. 17

Palm Pictures presents PATTI SMITH: DREAM OF LIFE, opening Friday, October 17, 2008, at Landmark’s Nuart Theatre in Los Angeles.

PATTI SMITH & STEVEN SEBRING IN PERSON: the legendary subject of the film and its director, will speak at Nuart Theatre showings on Friday October 17, at 7:15 & 9:55. They will also be available in the lobby between shows to sign copies of the companion book to the film (on sale at Nuart), and meet fans.

This portrait of legendary singer, artist and poet Patti Smith is a plunge into the philosophy and artistry of the cult rocker. Known as the godmother of punk, she emerged in the 1970s, galvanizing the music scene with her unique style of poetic rage, music and trademark swagger. We follow the multitalented and private artist over 11 years of international travel, through her spoken words, performances, lyrics, interviews, paintings and photographs.

Narrated by Patti Smith, director Steven Sebring's documentary reveals a complicated, charismatic personality who wrestles with life's many paradoxes, defining the human experience as an overwhelming contradiction.

Featuring band members Lenny Kaye, Oliver Ray, Tony Shanahan and Jay Dee Daugherty, plus appearances from Jackson Smith, Jesse Smith, Tom Verlaine, Sam Shepard, Philip Glass, Benjamin Smoke and Flea. Winner of the Best Cinematography Award (Documentary) at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival.

Steven Sebring is a photographer/director known for his definitive style of merging raw realism with high fashion. He has worked with numerous magazines and shot campaigns for companies such as Ralph Lauren, Lanvin, Maybelline, DKNY, and Coach. It was however, his shooting celebrity and artist portraiture that led to his meeting and photographing the legendary artist, Patti Smith. Upon seeing her perform he was so moved, that he encouraged her to allow him to begin filming, resulting in the eleven year film project DREAM OF LIFE.

The film’s running time is 109 minutes; it is not rated.

PATTI SMITH: DREAM OF LIFE opens Friday, October 17, 2008 at Landmark’s Nuart Theatre, showing through Thursday, October 23 for an exclusive one-week engagement. Showtimes: Fri-Sun: 1:45, 4:30, 7:15 & 9:55; Mon-Thu: 4:30, 7:15 & 9:55. Landmark’s Nuart Theatre is at 11272 Santa Monica Boulevard, just west of the 405 Freeway, in West Los Angeles. Program information: 310-281-8223; www.landmarktheatres.com