Aspen Film, Focus Features, and The Little Nell came together on Tuesday, December 22, to present a sneak preview screening of “Song Sung Blue” starring Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman at the Isis Theatre followed by a private reception at The Wine Bar at The Nell.
Widely released throughout the country on Christmas, the film’s based on a true story of a Milwaukee couple who perform as a Neil Diamond tribute band. Their musical journey and love story are filled with triumphs, as well as personal tragedies along the way that they work to overcome. Neil Diamond’s beautiful songs—moving, infectious, timeless, and inspirational— play a hugely important role throughout the film and are essentially the backbone of this heartfelt story.
For the Aspen event, Kate Hudson and her family, as well as Neil Diamond and his family – both longtime, part-time residents of the valley – were in attendance. Aspen Film’s recently appointed executive director Kitty Boone was present for the occasion, along with fellow Aspen Film staff and board members. Passionate about storytelling and the power of cinema, Kitty’s focus is on expanding the organization’s year-round programming, educational outreach, and community partnerships to celebrate and sustain the art of film including events such as this.
Cinema continues to captivate our emotions as noted by Pope Leo XIV, calling theaters the “beating hearts of our communities” and urging people to go to the movies and preserve this cultural experience against its decline. In a November 2025 address to filmmakers, he stated that cinema, unlike the constant flow of digital media, is an essential art form that fosters community, reflection, and hope, noting, “One of cinema’s most valuable contributions is helping audiences consider their own lives, look at the complexity of their experiences with new eyes and examine the world as if for the first time.”
“Song Sung Blue” succeeds in shifting perspectives for the audience with its profound and impactful trials and tribulations and Pope Leo’s message is a reminder that cultural spaces, like Aspen Film’s Isis Theatre, are important treasures to keep vibrant. To support cinema locally, consider joining Aspen Film, which has annual memberships available for all levels from Cinephile to Auteur – www.aspenfilm.org.
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- Goldie Hawn, Neil Diamond, Kate Hudson, and Kurt Russell at the Aspen debut of “Song Sung Blue.” Dale Mitchell Summit Photo and Film.
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- Mac Taylor, Kitty Boone, Brad Krevoy, Middy Perkins, and Lambo Perkins at The Little Nell. Dale Mitchell Summit Photo and Film.
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- Celebrating “Song Sung Blue” starring Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman. Dale Mitchell Summit Photo and Film.
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- Neil Diamond in the audience for the sneak preview screening at the Aspen Film Isis Theatre. Dale Mitchell Summit Photo and Film
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- Polly Scott, Mimi Polk Gitlin, and Nicholas DuBrul. Dale Mitchell Summit Photo and Film.
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- Neil Diamond’s family at The Little Nell reception. Dale Mitchell Summit Photo and Film.
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- Aspen Film executive director Kitty Boone, actress and singer Kate Hudson, and Aspen Film board member Mimi Polk Gitlin. Dale Mitchell Summit Photo and Film.
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- Kate Hudson, who recently received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy for her role in “Song Sung Blue,” at The Aspen Film Isis Theatre. Dale Mitchell Summit Photo and Film.
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- Following the screening at The Aspen Film Isis Theatre. Dale Mitchell Summit Photo and Film.
