EXCLUSIVE: Utopia has set a theatrical release for Robert Schwartzman‘s Hung Up on a Dream: The Zombies Documentary with special event screenings on May 12 in several cities –Washington D.C., Boston, Austin, Pittsburgh and Seattle– followed by full theatrical engagements in NY and LA on May 16 respectively at the Quad Cinema and Landmark NuArt Theatre.
The film, which premiered at SXSW 2023, traces the remarkable journey of iconic British rock band The Zombies—from teenage friends to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees.
“I can’t express how much I love The Zombies. After hearing their music as a teenager, I felt like I understood them musically, melodically and emotionally. Their clever arrangements and sophisticated songwriting gave me a musical foundation that helped me launch my own band, Rooney,” stated director Robert Schwartzman. “As a fan and fellow musician, to get the chance to make a film about their 60+ year journey is a dream-like moment and truly an honor. I believe The Zombies are one of the best bands in history and I can’t wait for people to see this film!”
In their first-ever feature documentary, nearly 60 years after they met as teenagers before the British Invasion music scene, The Zombies tell their story of navigating the tumultuous music industry over the decades and making one of the most influential albums of all time, Odessey and Oracle. “She’s Not There” made them the first British band after The Beatles to reach #1 in the US. After years of touring and many missteps in the ’60s, sadly, the band missed out on their biggest moment yet, when “Time of the Season” hit #1 and became a global success, inspiring new generations each year. The band looks back on their journey, where true friendship led them to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Hung Up on a Dream: The Zombies Documentary features interviews with Colin Blunstone, Rod Argent, HAIM, Hugh Grundy, Paul Atkinson, Søren Kuch Neilsen, Steve Rodford, Tom Tooney, and Chris White. Pic was produced by Schwartzman and Russell Wayne Groves; executive produced by Rod Ardent, Colin Blunstone, Tom Hanks, Rick Krim, Chris White, Hugh Grundy, Helen Atkinson, Natalia Nataskin, Larry Mestel, Cliff Burnstein, Gary Goetzman, and Peter Mensch; and co-executive produced by Cindy daSilva, Chris Tuthill, Alan Deutsch, Jonathan Gordon, and David Ruttenberg. The film was edited by Meryl Goodwin.