Anton Yelchin’s untimely death at the age of 27 almost three years ago shocked the world. From Chekov in the rebooted Star Trek franchise to his involvement in acclaimed indies like Only Lovers Left Alive and the pulsating cult classic Green Room, the actor had an amiable disposition and unwavering talent. In his directorial debut, Garrett Price intends to unveil a side of Anton Yelchin that his fans have never seen.
His new documentary Love, Antosha conveys the story of Anton Yelchin from his birth in the former Soviet Union and his family’s eventual escape to America, to his rise in the indie film circuit all the way to Hollywood, eventually culminating to his untimely death and his enduring legacy. With interviews conducted with his parents, co-stars, co-workers, friends, and his personal diaries narrated by Nicolas Cage, the first trailer has now arrived ahead of an August release.
In our interview from Sundance, conducted by Joshua Encinias with the filmmakers, Garret Price told us why his story was important to tell now: “I think Martin Landau said it best: we live in a world that moves on very quickly. We didn’t want Anton to be forgotten. We wanted to get it out as soon as possible…So many people really cared for Anton. I’m talking studios, independent films, producers, directors. Whatever we needed, they would go above and beyond to get us material. It’s pretty remarkable. To the credit of Anton’s parents, after he passed, they started gathering and archiving this material with the hopes of one day finding a filmmaker to tell the story.”
When asked how his parents reacted to seeing the film, producer Drake Doremus replied: “The film’s not bringing them any closure by any means. It’s something they deal with on a daily basis, but I think sharing their son’s story and sharing his life and inspiring others, helping others and setting up a foundation to help others. All the things they’re doing gives them a purpose in life and that’s what’s so great about the film: it’s a tool for them to be able to spread that message.”
See the trailer and poster below.
From a prolific career in film and television, Anton Yelchin left an indelible legacy as an actor. Through his journals and other writings, his photography, the original music he wrote, and interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues, this film looks not just at Anton’s impressive career, but at a broader portrait of the man. Born in the former Soviet Union to a family of artists, Anton and his parents came to the U.S. when he was six months old. He started acting at nine. He had a genuine curiosity and love for people, for art, and for family. And a willingness to explore, and be open with, the darker parts of himself. Love, Antosha explores his successes and his struggles, and let’s viewers get to know this extraordinary person the world was cheated from seeing grow old.
Love, Antosha will opens August 2.