Vivien’s Wild Ride

When she begins losing her sight, legendary film editor Vivien Hillgrove (The Unbearable Lightness of Being, Henry & June) turns to the medium she knows best—film—to craft this intimate and unconventional memoir. Reflecting on her groundbreaking career, Hillgrove revisits the evolution of Bay Area filmmaking, from experimental art films to major theatrical features and documentaries. The film explores her encounters with renowned directors, mentors, and activists as she navigates this transition, as well as the deeply personal losses that have shaped her life. Balancing creative reinvention with vulnerability, Hillgrove’s journey becomes a detective story of self-discovery, aided by her longtime partner, Karen Brocco, who helps uncover hidden parts of Hillgrove’s past. Set against the dual landscapes of fast-paced filmmaking and the sanctuary of their farm, Vivien’s Wild Ride is a poignant exploration of resilience, artistry, and what it means to truly see, both in cinema and in life. 

Amir George
FILM DETAILS 
Screenwriter
  • Vivien Hillgrove
Cinematographer
  • Andrés Gallegos
  • Eric M. Ivey
  • Clare Major
Print Info
  • Color
  • DCP
  • 87 mins

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