FINDING LUCINDA

“This unique film will appeal to Lucinda Williams fans everywhere and anyone struggling to find their identity through art.” - Chuck Prophet

Finding Lucinda offers an intimate and revealing look into a young songwriter’s search for their creative path by looking toward the early life and legacy of three-time GRAMMY Award-winning singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams. Directed by Joel Fendelman (Man on Fire, Remittance, Game Night, David) and produced by Liz McBee (Red For Revolution, Hi, I'm Nancy Rubin, Burning The Village), with cinematography by Rose Bush, (Academy Award-winning documentary Colette)—this film follows ISMAY, singer/songwriter Avery Hellman, an aspiring artist in search of inspiration for their own artistic journey. Prepare to be transported as Finding Lucinda explores the untold stories and profound influences that helped shape both a legendary artist and those inspired by her path.

In Finding Lucinda, Avery Hellman embarks on a road trip across the southern United States, delving into the people and places that shaped Lucinda Williams' early career. The film showcases interviews with Lucinda Williams, Charlie Sexton, Buddy Miller, Mary Gauthier, Josh Baca and Max Baca (Los Texmaniacs), John Grimaudo, and Wolf Stephenson. Through these conversations, the documentary sheds light on the profound impact Lucinda Williams had on music and how her artistry continues to resonate today. The film also features unreleased footage and music of Lucinda Williams, offering a rare glimpse into her formative years and creative evolution.

Director Joel Fendelman and his talented crew skillfully assembled the team behind Finding Lucinda. Cinematographer Rose Bush, known for her work on the Academy Award-winning documentary Colette, brings a unique visual perspective to the film. The collaboration between Joel and Avery infuses the storytelling with a sense of calm and artistry that captivates viewers throughout the documentary.

The origination of the documentary stems from Avery Hellman's personal connection to Lucinda Williams' music. Growing up in a musical family, Avery's admiration for Lucinda's talent served as a guiding light and source of inspiration. Fueled by a desire to find meaning in their own musical journey, Avery set out to explore the milestones and influences that shaped Lucinda's brilliant songwriting.

Avery Hellman adds, “Lucinda Williams represents the gold standard of rhythm, the epitome of integrity and artistic simplicity. Her work is sophisticated and genuine, sewing together so many threads of American life. When we started making Finding Lucinda, I really struggled with whether I was good enough to be a professional touring and record-making musician. I felt that if I could look into the early career of an artist that has so much integrity, I might be able to find an answer as to whether I could see a path forward for myself.” Through Finding Lucinda, Avery hopes to inspire audiences to embrace their own creative pursuits and find solace in the journey of self-discovery.

Over the course of five years, the team delved into Lucinda Williams' past, unearthing hidden treasures and untold stories. Highlights of the film include the discovery of Lucinda's earliest recorded songs, which were tucked away in the Malaco Studios vault since the 1970s. These tracks miraculously survived a devastating tornado that ravaged the studio in 2011, becoming a testament to Lucinda's enduring legacy.

Additionally, the documentary uncovers Lucinda's connection to influential figures such as Charlie Sexton, who played with her when he was just eleven years old and she was a little-known songwriter in Austin. The film features an exclusive interview with John Grimaudo, Lucinda's guitarist from her first record, who moved away from Austin shortly after recording and left the music industry altogether.

Finding Lucinda is a mesmerizing exploration of artistry, self-discovery, and the power of music. Audiences will be enchanted by the enthralling storytelling and insights shared by Lucinda's contemporaries. This documentary is not only a tribute to Lucinda Williams' immense talent but also a testament to the universal struggles and triumphs faced by artists on their creative journey. Screenings of the film will begin in Fall 2025.

About The Film

Finding Lucinda Podcast

Produced in partnership with BGS and distributed through the BGS Podcast Network – which hosts and has created hit podcasts like Basic Folk, Toy Heart with Tom Power, Harmonics with Beth Behrs, Carolina Calling, and more – this new offering expands on the documentary film’s themes, exploring artistic influence, creative resilience, and the impact of Williams’ music. Told through the lens of Hellman’s personal experiences and journey through music, the 14-part series takes listeners into the making of an icon using archival materials, exclusive interviews, and fresh commentary from artists and collaborators who knew Lucinda – often long before the world did.

Recorded during the making of the film, podcast episodes will feature in-depth conversations with Americana legends, including Lucinda Williams, Charlie Sexton, Buddy Miller, Mary Gauthier, and Williams herself. Each edition of Finding Lucinda unpacks the pivotal people, places, and creative moments that shaped Lucinda’s groundbreaking voice and vision.

The story begins with ISMAY – Hellman, an emerging artist navigating their own doubts and dreams – setting off from a family ranch in Northern California to trace Lucinda’s path through Texas, Louisiana, and Tennessee. Along the way, they visit the venues where Lucinda first performed, uncovers hidden archival treasures, and seek wisdom from those who shaped her artistic foundation.

The Finding Lucinda podcast debuted its first episode on all major podcast platforms May 5, 2025, with new episodes released twice a month. Listen wherever you get podcasts. Finding Lucinda, the documentary film, is slated for release in the fall. Both the film and podcast showcase never-before-heard archival material, intimate conversations, and a visual journey through the literal and figurative landscapes that molded Lucinda’s songwriting.

“Through this podcast, we wanted to share even more of the stories, perspectives, and discoveries that couldn’t all fit into the film,” says ISMAY.

Part memoir, part music history, and part spiritual road trip, Finding Lucinda is ultimately a story about self-discovery, artistic bravery, and learning how to move forward – even when you’re unsure where the road will lead.