Virginia Film Festival

Based on Amy-Jo Albany’s memoir, Low Down brings the audience into the life of 1970s jazz pianist Joe Albany’s (Hawkes) story seen through his daughter’s (Fanning) eyes. Entrenched in the drug-fueled milieu of the 1970s Hollywood jazz scene, Joe places his heroin addiction and music ahead of everything else, including Amy-Jo. Despite his neglect, she deeply loves her father, but cannot stop his sinuous path toward ruin. For two years while Joe traipses around Europe, Amy-Jo lives with her enabling Gram (Close), but when he returns they all feel steeped in his crippling hopelessness and self-destruction. This first feature biopic from experimental filmmaker Jeff Preiss meanders through the dismal and devastating life of an addict who imposes lasting effects on his daughter’s character. Discussion with writer Amy Albany, director Jeff Preiss, producer Ron Yerxa, and John Dearth

Supported by Virginia Festival of the Book

A book signing will follow the screening and discussion, and copies of Low Down will be available for purchase.