The documentary I Am Patrick Swayze, which held its world premiere at the San Antonio Film Festival (SAFILM) on August 2, was awarded the Festival’s Grand Prize.
The documentary is a loving tribute to the prolific actor that celebrates his life and career through untold stories, exclusive interviews, heartfelt home movies and family photos featuring those who knew him best. The film explores his childhood in Texas and his enduring relationship with his widow, Lisa Niemi Swayze , whom he met as a teenager at his mother’s dance studio. Known for undeniable star quality, the documentary is a window into an artist’s life that delves into Patrick Swayze’s remarkable film career working on huge blockbuster hits like Dirty Dancing, The Outsiders and Ghost.
The film features interviews with Patrick Swayze’s friends, family — including Lisa Niemi Swayze and his brother Don Swayze , co-stars Sam Elliott , Jennifer Grey , C. Thomas Howell , Rob Lowe , Kelly Lynch , Demi Moore , Lori Petty and Marshall R. Teague , director Roland Joffe , agent Nicole David , manager Kate Edwards , personal assistant Rosemary Hygate, and stuntman Cliff McLaughlin .
The documentary, directed by Adrian Buitenhuis (whose credits include I Am Heath Ledger and I Am Paul Walker), is the latest from Network Entertainment’s award-winning filmmaker Derik Murray, who has previously produced films on iconic figures such as John F. Kennedy Jr., Martin Luther King Jr., Heath Ledger, Bruce Lee, Paul Walker, Chris Farley and Richard Pryor. The Company’s next documentary to be featured is I Am Jackie O.
I Am Patrick Swayze is set to hold its Paramount Network television premiere on Sunday, August 18 – Patrick’s 67th birthday – at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. Leading into the Paramount broadcast, Swayze classics Ghost and Dirty Dancing will air at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. ET/PT respectively.