Heath Ledger's Life as a Father Celebrated in New Documentary

"I Am Heath Ledger" is set to be released on May 3

Nine years after Heath Ledger's tragic death from an accidental prescription drug overdose, the late actor is getting new life in a feature-length documentary, "I Am Heath Ledger," which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival Sunday night.

According to the film's director, Derik Murray, the documentary gives insight into the life of the troubled Aussie, famous for his roles in "10 Things I Hate About You," "Brokeback Mountain" and his Oscar-winning role in "The Dark Knight."

But those close to him remember him as a father to daughter Matilda Ledger and a loyal friend.

"I think in this film you are going to learn a lot about Heath as an artist," Murray said. "But the other thing you are going to learn about is he had such a deep connection with his friends."

Heath Ledger: A Life in Pictures

Co-producer Adrian Buitenhuis also discussed a key element of the story: Ledger becoming father.

"It's interesting to hear [his friends] talk about Heath becoming a father as well, which was really an important moment for him," Buitenhuis said.
"They all had lots of beautiful things to share about how important that was for him and how much love he had for his daughter. We were definitely thinking about his daughter when we were making the film."

Members of Ledger's family, as well as celebrities Naomi Watts, Ben Mendelsohn, Dijmon Hounsou and Emile Hirsch appear in the documentary. Meanwhile, Ledger's ex Michelle Williams is notably absent, but the filmmakers said the "Manchester By The Sea" actress gave her blessing for the film.

"I Am Heath Ledger" is set to be released on May 3.

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