As the producer of British filmmaker Carol Morley’s films to date and an ex-New Yorker now based in London, I’m thrilled Dreams of a Life is getting a hometown viewing.

Dreams of a Life is a hybrid documentary about 38 year old Joyce Vincent who died in her flat in London and wasn’t found for three years.

I remember the day Carol saw the sensational tabloid headline “WOMAN DEAD IN FLAT FOR 3 YEARS…TELLY STILL ON” and said she was going to make a film about Joyce even though there was no biographical information, not even a photograph. What I didn’t know was that it would take five years to bring the film to fruition. Or that it would be such a complex and life affirming tribute to a vivacious woman.

Joyce wore masks and was different thing to different people. Amidst the testimonies of friends, ex-lovers and colleagues Zawe Ashton is terrific at evoking Joyce; Joyce with a wicked sense of humour who wanted to be a singer and even met Stevie Wonder.

I really hope this film will grow by word of mouth in the USA. There has been so much debate so far, around identity, class, aspiration and loneliness and there are so many other voices to be heard. When you see the film I look forward to hearing your comments and thoughts on our website or facebook page. I’m proud that because of the film Joyce’s legacy will be to help us connect.

The film opens August 3 at the IFC Center in NYC.