Renowned filmmaker Alexander Payne is set to make his documentary directorial debut with a feature about trailblazing film scholar Jeanine Basinger. The documentary will delve into Basinger's remarkable journey from a movie theater usher in Brookings, South Dakota, to her influential role at Connecticut's Wesleyan University.
Throughout her illustrious 60-year career, Basinger established one of the nation's premier film studies programs, authored 13 influential books on film, and mentored countless individuals who have left a lasting impact on the American film industry.
The project, slated for a 2025 release, is being produced by Sam Wasson and Brandon Millan of Felix Farmer Productions. Wasson, a former student of Basinger's, expressed excitement about collaborating with Payne to bring Basinger's story to the screen.
Basinger, 88, reciprocated the sentiment, highlighting the special bond she shares with Payne, whom she considers a dear friend and a talented filmmaker. The documentary aims to celebrate Basinger's contributions to film scholarship and her enduring legacy in the industry.
The announcement comes on the heels of Payne's recent involvement in honoring Basinger at the TCM Classic Film Festival, where she received the prestigious Robert Osborne Award for her dedication to preserving classic cinema for future generations.
In his tribute to Basinger, Payne lauded her unparalleled expertise in film and her unwavering passion for the medium. He emphasized her role as a teacher to all who have been touched by her wisdom and guidance, underscoring her status as a luminary in the world of cinema.
As production on the documentary progresses, audiences can anticipate a compelling exploration of Basinger's remarkable life and her profound impact on the study of film. The collaboration between Payne, Wasson, and Millan promises to offer viewers a unique perspective on the extraordinary career of Jeanine Basinger, a true pioneer in the field of film scholarship.
