Patti Smith: Dream of Life

WMNF continues its fundraising film series with a screening of Patti Smith: Dream of Life.

Acclaimed photographer the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, and was also nominated for the Grand Jury Prize.

Sebring first met Smith when he was taking photos of her for Spin magazine. Afterwards, he saw her perform for the first time ever and was moved enough that he got permission to begin filming her, which he did for the next 11 years. Ever seen the Flaming Lips film, The Fearless Freaks? That documentarian, Bradley Beesly, spent 15 years following the Lips around and the result is absolutely, astoundingly great — and I don't think it would have been so great had he not spent so many years getting to know the band while recording them. This film has the same potential, and Sundace seemed to like it. WMNF presents two screenings tonight at 6:45 and 9 p.m., at Beach Theatre, 315 Corey Ave., St. Pete Beach. Admission is $8.

This article appears in Dec 17-23, 2008.