Everybody Digs Bill Evans: Wexford-Backed Drama Premieres at Berlinale 2026

Everybody Digs Bill Evans

Irish film, Everybody Digs Bill Evans, is set to captivate audiences in 2026 with a powerful, intimate portrait of one of jazz’s most influential figures, American jazz pianist and composer Bill Evans. 

About the Film

Directed by Grant Gee and written by Mark O’Halloran, the film is based on the novel Intermission by Owen Martell and stars Anders Danielsen Lie as the legendary pianist Bill Evans, alongside Bill Pullman, Barry Ward, Laurie Metcalf, Valene Kane and Katie McGrath.

The film had its world premiere in competition at the Berlin International Film Festival last Friday, where it was nominated for the Golden Bear – a major milestone for the production. Shot partly on 16mm and in striking black and white, the film was produced by Alan Maher, Cowtown Pictures and Janine Marmot, Hot Property Films.

Set in New York in June 1961, the story follows Evans at the height of his creative powers with his ‘perfect trio’, only to be devastated by the sudden death of bassist Scott LaFaro. What follows is a deeply moving exploration of grief, addiction, love and the struggle to return to music – cutting between sobriety and intoxication, past and future – as Evans learns that sometimes an intermission is part of the music itself.

Film’s Co-producer Fiona Kinsella shared: ‘There are strong Wexford connections in this film, which makes this moment even more special. Premiering in competition at Berlin is a huge deal – the Berlinale is one of the largest public film festivals in the world, and to be selected among a handful of films globally is extraordinary.’ 

The Wexford Connection

The film has Wexford producers attached, with John Wallace and Dave McLoughlin as Executive Producers, and Fiona Kinsella as Co-producer.

Irish audiences are set to experience the film’s Irish premiere at the Dublin International Film Festival later this month.

The film is supported by Screen Ireland and the British Film Institute.