Frank Zappa Documentary From Alex Winter Acquired by

Magnolia Pictures has acquired the North American rights to “Zappa,” a documentary in regards to the art-rock grasp Frank Zappa directed by “Bill & Ted Face the Music” star Alex Winter, the distributor introduced Thursday.

“Zappa” seems to be on the lifetime of the revolutionary artist and musician by means of entry to the Zappa household belief and different archival footage, and Magnolia will launch the documentary in theaters and on-demand Nov. 27.

Winter sits down with lots of Zappa’s musical collaborators reminiscent of Mike Keneally, Ian Underwood, Steve Vai, Pamela Des Barres, Bunk Gardner, David Harrington, Scott Thunes, Ruth Underwood, Ray White and others. And the documentary additionally contains appearances by Zappa’s widow Gail.

“Alex Winter has created an amazing documentary,” Magnolia President Eamonn Bowles mentioned in a press release. “‘Zappa’ is an incredibly nuanced and compelling look at the visionary iconoclast and the environment that formed him.”

“This is the most ambitious project I’ve ever worked on, with a couple of years of archival preservation in addition to several years to make the film itself,” Winter mentioned. “This isn’t your typical music doc, but rather a multi-faceted narrative that aims to bring this complex artist to life. Magnolia, with its long and distinguished history of platforming great cinema, is the perfect home for ‘Zappa’ and I am ecstatic to be partnering with them.”

“From the moment Gail Zappa said ‘yes’ to our pitch I’ve been excited for the day that we could share Alex’s film with the world, and doing so with a signature partner like Magnolia feels like the perfect conclusion to our long journey,” producer Glen Zipper mentioned in a press release. “I can’t wait for audiences to see it.”

“I’m thrilled Magnolia is bringing the ‘Zappa’ movie to the world,” producer Ahmet Zappa mentioned in a press release. “This emotional journey began with my mother’s belief in Alex Winter and he’s made an extraordinary film. I’m so grateful to the fans who contributed to the Kickstarter campaign. Their support was invaluable as is our partnership with UMG. I feel in my heart Frank and Gail would be so proud of the documentary and I can’t wait for everyone to see it!”

“Zappa” was produced by Winter, Glen Zipper, Ahmet Zappa, John Frizzell, Devorah DeVries, and Jade Allen. The movie’s govt producers are Robert Halmi and Jim Reeve of Great Point Media.

The deal was negotiated by Magnolia EVP Dori Begley and Magnolia SVP of Acquisitions John Von Thaden with CAA Media Finance on behalf of the filmmakers.