TORONTO — A searing tribute to musical genius and fearless independence is captivating audiences worldwide. Goddess of Slide: The Forgotten Story of Ellen McIlwaine, directed by Sundance award-winner Alfonso Maiorana (Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World), recently celebrated its Los Angeles theatrical release, marking another milestone for the Canadian-produced documentary that’s already turned heads on the international festival circuit.
Blending archival footage, intimate interviews, and spellbinding music, Goddess of Slide tells the story of Ellen McIlwaine, one of the first women in music to master and champion the slide guitar — and one of the few to reject the industry’s expectations in pursuit of her own authentic sound.
A Voice Like No Other, A Spirit Uncompromised
“Fame comes with a price. Ellen McIlwaine paid it,” says director Alfonso Maiorana.
The film charts McIlwaine’s ascent from an unknown in Greenwich Village to a dynamic artist who held her own alongside blues legends like Richie Havens and Mississippi John Hurt. In a scene-stealing moment early in her career, McIlwaine took the stage for six unforgettable nights at Café Au Go Go with none other than Jimi Hendrix — a pivotal turning point that launched her into a world few women dared to tread.
Through it all, McIlwaine never compromised her musical identity. Refusing to conform to industry pressures around image, genre, or gender, she walked away from big record deals and chart ambitions, choosing instead to chart her own artistic path.
“There is a deep well of the music spirit that lives in me and comes out when I play,” she once said. Her words echo through the film’s intimate storytelling.
International Acclaim and a Canadian Production Powerhouse
Goddess of Slide began its journey at CIFF 2024, where it won the coveted Audience Award, and has since enjoyed a sweeping run of accolades:
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🏆 Winner – Best Music Doc at Festival Mente Locale, Italy
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🏅 Audience Award (3rd place) – Doc’n Roll Film Festival, London & NYC
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📺 CBC Gem Premiere – March 12, 2025
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🇳🇿 Sky New Zealand TV Premiere – June 2025
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🏆 Best Feature Documentary – Long Island International Film Expo
With over 15 international festival selections and growing demand for encore screenings, the film is quickly becoming one of Canada’s most celebrated music documentaries in recent years.
The film is produced with support from the Canada Media Fund, the Rogers Documentary Fund, and the Hot Docs-Slaight Family Fund, alongside funding from the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit and Documentary Channel.
A Legacy Reclaimed
While McIlwaine passed away in 2021, her voice and virtuosity live on in this unforgettable film. Goddess of Slide reclaims her rightful place in music history, challenging long-standing gender and cultural barriers in the industry.
For Alfonso Maiorana, the film is more than a biography — it’s a resurrection. “Her artistry was ahead of its time. We wanted the world to hear her, finally.”
As the documentary continues its festival tour, future screenings are scheduled in Melbourne, Copenhagen, Sydney, Santa Cruz, and Syracuse, keeping the spirit of McIlwaine’s music alive across continents.
Where to Watch and Follow
🎬 Official Website: www.goddessofslide.com
📸 Instagram: @goddessofslide
📘 Facebook: @goddessofslide
Stay tuned to GTA Weekly every Thursday for more entertainment spotlights covering film, stage, and streaming releases with a focus on music, culture, and performance.
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