A new film exploring one of the most significant and turbulent periods in the life of legendary jazz pianist Bill Evans is coming to cinemas across Ireland this September.
*Everybody Digs Bill Evans*, directed by Grant Gee and starring Anders Danielsen Lie as Evans, will be released theatrically in Ireland and the UK on 11 September 2026.
The film takes us to New York in June 1961, when Evans had found what he considered his perfect trio alongside bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Paul Motian. Their celebrated residency at the Village Vanguard culminated in recordings that would produce two landmark live albums, *Sunday at the Village Vanguard* and *Waltz for Debby*.
Just ten days later, LaFaro was killed in a car accident at the age of 25. Devastated by the loss of his musical soulmate, Evans withdrew from performing. *Everybody Digs Bill Evans* explores this period of grief and retreat, as Evans moves between New York and the relative safety of family life while his extraordinary musical voice continues to develop.
Written by Irish playwright and screenwriter Mark O'Halloran and based on Owen Martell's novel *Intermission*, the film is the first narrative feature from director Grant Gee, previously known for acclaimed documentaries including *Joy Division*, *Meeting People Is Easy*, *Patience (After Sebald)* and *The Gold Machine*.
The film received its world premiere in competition at the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival, where Gee was awarded the Silver Bear for Best Director.
Anders Danielsen Lie leads the cast as Bill Evans, alongside Bill Pullman and Laurie Metcalf as Evans' parents. The cast also includes Barry Ward, Valene Kane and Katie McGrath.
An Irish/UK production, *Everybody Digs Bill Evans* is produced by Janine Marmot of Hot Property Films and Alan Maher of Cowtown Pictures, with backing from Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland. Break Out Pictures will release the film in Ireland.
See Everybody Digs Bill Evans in Ireland
*Everybody Digs Bill Evans* opens at the Irish Film Institute in Dublin on 11 September, with further screenings taking place around Ireland in the months ahead.
Jazz Ireland currently has screenings listed at the Irish Film Institute in Dublin, Triskel Arts Centre in Cork, Queen's Film Theatre in Belfast, Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar, Garter Lane Arts Centre in Waterford and Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge.
Visit the Jazz Ireland event listings for screening dates, times and booking information.
Everybody Digs Bill Evans on The Hot Box
To coincide with the film's release, Donald Helme will also turn his attention to Bill Evans in a special edition of *The Hot Box*, exploring the music of one of the most influential pianists in jazz.
The Hot Box #156 - Everybody Digs Bill Evans
*Everybody Digs Bill Evans* is released in Irish cinemas from 11 September 2026.
