The Essence of Eva
Featuring previously unheard songs and exclusive archival footage, EVA paints a vivid portrait of legendary singer Eva Cassidy from the perspective of her family, friends, and fellow musicians. A woman whose soulful voice transcended genres, captivating audiences with its purity and emotional resonance. Her interpretations of classic songs such as “Over the Rainbow” and “Fields of Gold” are explored in depth, showcasing her ability to breathe new life into familiar tunes with her stirring voice. A heart-tugging story about a talent gone too soon.
Cast
- Eva Cassidy
- Eva Cassidy
The Essence of Eva
Malcolm Willis, Alex Fegan
- Documentary
- Production Country / Year
- Ireland, United States 2025
- Language
- engl. OF m. engl. UT
- Format
- DCP, Both, 83min
1.90:1, Discrete 5.1
Director & Crew
Malcolm Willis
Born in the USA. Work as a screenwriter and producer for short films and commercials. Founded Icypeaks Media. Active as a director, producer and cinematographer.
Filmography
| 2019 | Lucy in Disguise | Kurzfilm | |
| Kilimanjaro Mama | Dokumentarfilm | ||
| 2022 | Blow-Ins | Dokumentarfilm | |
| 2025 | The Essence of Eva | Dokumentarfilm Co-Regie |
2025 |
Alex Fegan
Born in Ireland. Founded Atom Films. Active as a director, producer and screenwriter for documentary films.
Filmography
| 2012 | Man Made Men | Spielfilm | |
| 2013 | The Irish Pub | Dokumentarfilm | |
| 2019 | Abbeyfealegood | Dokumentarfilm | |
| 2020 | The Confessors | Dokumentarfilm | |
| 2021 | The Toy Shop | Dokumentarfilm | |
| The Irish Wedding | Dokumentarfilm | ||
| 2023 | Am I Here? | Dokumentarfilm | |
| 2024 | The Omagh Hum | Dokumentarfilm | |
| Jackie & Coco | Dokumentarfilm | ||
| Sins of Ireland | Dokumentarfilm | ||
| 2025 | The Essence of Eva | Dokumentarfilm Co-Regie |
2025 |
“We have interviewed more than thirty people, including a couple of Stonehenge musicians, Eva’s school friends Ruth and Celia. We have spoken to people who Eva performed with, band members, and Chuck Brown’s manager Tom Goldfogle. The only people we couldn’t speak to were her manager Al Dale and radio presenter Terry Wogan, both of whom had already passed away. We cover the period from her childhood to her passing because not everyone knows her. This film is not just for those who love Eva. I hope it will create even more fans.
This is not just about the music. Her artwork was also important to her. She played music, she painted, and she did all these artsy things. That’s a massive part of the film. In a lot of her paintings, she added an intriguing bubble. We explore what she might have meant by that.”
- Director of Photography
- Malcolm Willis
- Editor
- Malcolm Willis
- Alex Fegan
- Sound
- Malcolm Willis
- Music Composer
- Lenny Williams
- Chris Biondo
- Producer
- Malcolm Willis
- Alex Fegan
- Brendan Byrne