Cleopatra EntertainmentA long-delayed Lynyrd Skynyrd biopic focusing on the tragic 1977 plane crash that claimed the life of lead singer Ronnie Van Zant and other band members will finally get its world premiere on February 16 at Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival in Los Angeles.
Street Survivors: The True Story of the Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash features ex-Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyle‘s account of the accident. The film is narrated by Pyle, who survived the crash, pulled fellow survivors from the wreckage and, although seriously injured, was able to make his way to a nearby farmhouse to get help.
“This film’s story — MY story — is not just about the plane crash but also about my personal relationship with the genius that was Ronnie Van Zant — whom I loved like a brother and still miss to this day,” says Pyle in a statement. He also contributed original music to the movie’s soundtrack.
The premiere of Street Survivors: The True Story of the Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash will take place at Regal Cinemas LA Live at 7:30 p.m. PT on the 16th.
Screenings at international festivals also are being lined up, which will be followed by a run in domestic theaters. At some screenings, Pyle will be on hand to introduce the film, participate in Q&A sessions and perform Lynyrd Skynyrd songs with his solo band.
The film will be released as a home video package, including a soundtrack album, on June 30, and the movie will be available on video-on-demand services that same day.
In 2018, Street Survivors won a lawsuit brought by Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington, singer Johnny Van Zant and the estates of late band members Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines and Allen Collins that sought to stop the film’s release.
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