The late Heath Ledger will be getting new life in the featured-length documentary, I Am Heath Ledger, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival last night. It’s been nine years since the actor’s untimely death from an accidental overdose of prescription drug.
According to the film’s director Derik Murray, the story features the life of the troubled Australian actor, who was famous for his portrayal in 10 Things I Hate About You, Brokeback Mountain and his Oscar-winning role in The Dark Knight. But for those close to him, he is remembered as a father to his daughter Matilda Ledger and a loyal friend.
“I think in this film you are going to learn a lot about Heath as an artist, but the other thing you are going to learn about is he had such a deep connection with his friends,” Murray told E! News at Tribeca.
Co-producer Adrian Buitenhuis discussed that the documentary will also highlight Heath becoming a father.
“It’s interesting to hear [his friends] talk about Heath becoming a father as well, which was really an important moment for him. They all had lots of beautiful things to share about how important that was for him and how much love he had for his daughter,” the producer said. “We were definitely thinking about his daughter when we were making the film.”
Ledger’s family, as well as a crew of celebrities, including Naomi Watts, Ben Mendelsohn, Dijmon Hounsou, Emile Hirsch and more, will appear in the documentary. Meanwhile, Michelle Williams, Ledger’s ex, is notably absent, but the filmmakers assured that Williams gave her blessing for the film.
I Am Heath Ledger airs on May 3.
