Four years ago, the world lost an icon. Though she was frequently surrounded by a cloud of rumors, Amy Winehouse’s unique talent and irresistible presence were undeniable. In Amy, the new documentary from Senna director Asif Kapadia, unseen archival footage and interviews are compiled to give audiences a closer look at an artist they were only just starting to get to know. Though Winehouse’s family has decided to distance themselves from the film, advanced word from its premiere at Cannes has been positive, describing the film as both heartfelt and heartbreaking. Amy opens in Chicago on July 10, but The A.V. Club and A24 have an opportunity for you to see it for free on July 7. For your chance to win a pair of passes to the advance screening, simply follow the link here and enter your information. As always, seats will be first come, first served, so be sure to arrive early. An official synopsis and trailer for the film can be found below, as can a live performance of hers from 2006 because it’s always a good time to remember how wonderfully talented she was.
“From BAFTA Award-winning director Asif Kapadia (Senna), Amy tells the incredible story of six-time Grammy-winner Amy Winehouse – in her own words. Featuring extensive unseen archival footage and previously unheard tracks, this strikingly modern, moving and vital film shines a light on our culture and the world we live in today. A once-in-a-generation talent, Amy Winehouse was a musician that captured the world’s attention with her unforgettable voice and charisma. A pure jazz artist in the most authentic sense, Amy poured her heart and soul into her music, expressing personal struggles and pain through her intimate lyrics. The combination of her raw honesty and virtuosity resulted in some of the most unique and adored songs of our time. Amy became an international sensation, experiencing a meteoric rise to fame she had never sought nor expected. The relentless and invasive media attention, coupled with Amy’s troubled relationships and addictions, led her into a tragic cycle of self-destruction, resulting in her untimely death at age 27. Four years later, Asif Kapadia’s powerful documentary invites audiences to remember and celebrate Amy as a brilliant artist while asking ourselves how it was that we watched her disappear in front of our eyes.”