DIALOGUE: Producer John Baker in person for intro and Q&A. Iowa premiere.

"An extraordinary visual and musical tapestry built around the compelling persona of real-life Memphis R&B singer Willis Earl Beal." --Andrew O'Hehir, Salon

"A soulful cinematic tone poem. Every image in Memphis quivers with a poetic intensity that captures the beauty and desolation of the urban South not pictured on tourist postcards." -Stephen Holden, The New York Times

A strange singer with god given talent drifts through the mythic city of Memphis under its canopy of ancient oak trees, shattered windows, and burning spirituality.

Surrounded by lovers, legends, hustlers, preachers, and a wolfpack of kids, the unstable performer avoids the recording studio and is driven to spend time in his own form of self-discovery. Shown in fragments, his journey drags him from love and happiness right to the edge of another dimension.

Featuring an explosive performance and score from the singular recording artist-cum-wizard, Willis Earl Beal, MEMPHIS is a film steeped in folklore, music, surrealism, and the abstract search for glory.