Emily Remler Feature Documentary Launches Kickstarter Campaign

Aletheian Pictures has announced a Kickstarter campaign to help complete Firefly: The Emily Remler Story, the first feature-length documentary about the pioneering American jazz guitarist.

Made in co-operation with the Emily Remler Estate, Berklee College of Music and Musicians Institute in Hollywood, the film will feature previously unseen concert performances and interview footage of the late guitarist, alongside contributions from musicians, friends and collaborators including Martin Taylor, Jennifer Batten, Sheryl Bailey, Mimi Fox and Eleonora Strino, among others.

Emily Remler emerged as one of the most distinctive jazz guitarists of her generation, recording seven studio albums during her lifetime before her death in 1990 at the age of 32. Firefly will explore both her remarkable musical achievements and the personal story behind a career cut tragically short.

Written, directed and produced by Al Naffah and co-produced by Michael Rushworth, the project has received fiscal sponsorship from the International Documentary Association (IDA), enabling eligible US supporters to make tax-deductible contributions towards the production. It has also received an interim cultural certificate from the British Film Institute (BFI).

The filmmakers are seeking to raise up to $85,000 in completion funding, including through an initial £20,000 Kickstarter campaign launching on Friday 25 September 2026. Funds will go towards music licensing, previously unseen television and performance footage, photographic archives and professional post-production. Tax-deductible United States donations can also be made through the film's fiscally sponsored fundraising campaign.

Director Al Naffah said: “Emily’s story has long deserved to be told on the big screen. We are excited to bring her extraordinary music to greater attention and highlight her enduring influence on musicians around the world. She built a marvellous career in a field in which women guitarists faced formidable barriers, and her example continues to inspire generations of musicians.”

Beth Marlis, Vice President, Musicians Institute Hollywood added: “This film shines a bright light on Emily's musical excellence, her trailblazing life and legacy that continues to inspire and shape the future. At long last, her story will be told with the love, honesty and respect that she so richly deserved. Musicians Institute is proud to support this important project."

Firefly: The Emily Remler Story is being prepared for completion in 2027, the year Emily Remler would have celebrated her 70th birthday, with an international film-festival campaign and special screenings planned.

Support the film

The Firefly Kickstarter campaign will launch on Friday 25 September 2026. Supporters can follow the campaign by clicking NOTIFY ON LAUNCH at the link below.

Back this Film

U.S. supporters can also make eligible tax-deductible contributions through the project’s International Documentary Association fiscal-sponsorship campaign.