Project Detail

American: The Bill Hicks Story

Synopsis

'At last, the true life story of the outlaw comic who tried to save the world. He still might.'

Bill Hicks is considered by many to be the greatest comedian of the last 20 years, ironic given his anonymity in his native America. He was a preacher, a philosopher, a raging prophet who believed he could save his audience by confronting them with truth - and dick jokes. He was considered criminally unpatriotic at home for skewering the hypocrisies of the government, media and organised religion, but he broke out internationally and stunned UK audiences made him a star.

Just as he was on the verge of conquering the USA, he was diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer. He was 32 years old.

15 years after his death, his popularity continues to grow, his CD's and DVDs selling more than ever and Bill himself regularly rated in 'best of' lists. Now, for the first time, his fascinating and ultimately uplifting life story is told by those that knew him best. Made in close association with Bill’s family and friends, it features unprecedented access to unseen archive material and a stunning new animation technique throughout.

American: The Bill Hicks Story is the definitive record of one of America's most iconic modern heroes - a fearless voice as relevant today as ever.

Details

Year
2009
Type of project
Features
Running time
115 mins
Format
HD 1080P
Director
Matt Harlock, Paul Thomas 1st Feature
Producer
Matt Harlock, Paul Thomas
Editor
Paul Thomas
Director of Photography
Paul Thomas
Composer
Bill Hicks, Marblehead Johnson and various
Principal cast
Mary Hicks, Steve Hicks, Lynn Hicks, Kevin Booth, Dwight Slade, David Johndrow, James Ladmirault, John Farneti, Andy Huggins, Steve Epstein

Genre

Production Status

Production Company

Halflife Films/Jackamo TV

c/o American The Movie Ltd
Suite 2, The Lawn, Ealing Green
London W5 5ER
UK

T +44 (0)20 8567 4104

Page updates

This page was last updated on 12th May 2025. Please let us know if we need to make any amendments or request edit access by clicking below.

See also

You may also be interested in other relevant projects in the database.

A mixed race woman looks directly into the camera with her hands around her own neck, lying against orange velvet pillows. Choked

Director: Travis Alabanza

Year: 2026

Shakona doesn't always want to be treated so nicely, sometimes she wants to feel like the world does: chaotic. Yet she can't get her devoted and loving boyfriend Eddie to meet her needs, so she goes to where all good decisions are made, a hookup app. Just as it seems like Shakona is finally letting go, she has the chance to take power into her own hands...

A meditating Buddhist Nun at Bodhgaya Temple Tracing Transcendental Tone

Director: Julian Konczak

Year: 2025

Following a pilgrimage through the sacred sounds of India – a land of many faiths, including Vedanta, Islam and Buddhism. Using striking visual material accompanied by an evocative, multi-layered soundtrack, the audience is taken on a unique sonic journey through the sacred sound practices of many of the world’s key religions. A combination of interviews, performances, and natural sounds creates a rich, immersive cinematic experience. With an intimate, direct camera style, viewers can get close to the many spiritual practitioners, musicians, and meditation teachers who form the fabric of the journey. Bubbling hot springs, subtropical nocturnal symphonies of insects, and harsh, frozen mountain winds combine with mantra chanting, classical Hindustani music, and the dynamic temple sounds of drums and trumpets. This audiovisual tone poem invites you to experience heightened sensory awareness and the transformative, healing power of sound.

The two daughters of the late colonel are sat on a sofa while a spectre of their father's face yells angrily at them. Daughters of the Late Colonel

Director: Elizabeth Hobbs

Year: 2026

After the death of their ill-tempered and controlling father, middle-aged sisters Constantia (Con) and Josephine (Jug), find themselves at a loss. The story takes place in 1920 and is set within a European townhouse where Constantia and Josephine have always lived with their domineering father. The two sisters' mother died when they were young, and they have spent their lives enslaved to the rhythm and routine of Father’s house. Even in death they fear their father and imagine him springing out of the wardrobe or shouting at them from his grave. Over time, their father’s control diminishes and they find comfort in taking part in peaceful activities in each other’s company. An unexpected visitor also helps them to find the courage to begin their lives anew. A merry, rude, and lyrical, animated adaptation of the modernist short story written by Katherine Mansfield in 1920. In this adaptation the sisters will begin to assert themselves in joyful, unexpected ways that could only be depicted in animation. Official Selection Quinzaine des Cinéastes / Directors' Fortnight Cannes 2026 - World premiere