Deep Listening: The Story of Pauline Oliveiros

Directed by
Daniel Weintraub
Produced by
Ione
| 2024 | 120 Min

“Luminous.”–Laurie Anderson

Weintraub makes use of an archive of rare photographs, home movies, hand-drawn scores and signal flow diagrams, excerpts of unheard music, and rare footage from live performances, to assemble an impression of Oliveros that is charmingly funny, wise and profoundly real but without disturbing her essential mystery. What emerges is a clear image of a deeply integrated, profoundly humane creative practice based on attentiveness and inclusion.”–Leah Kardos, The Wire / On Screen

Weintraub’s film, which largely allows Oliveros herself to tell her story and explain her discoveries and ideas through recorded interviews that are peppered with commentary from her peers (Riley, Morton Subotnick) and disciples (Thurston Moore), is never at odds with the central tenets of the Deep Listening ethos. In fact, it leaves the viewer not only wanting to explore her music further, but to pay more attention to the sounds around them—something the composer no doubt would have appreciated.”—Peter Aaaron, Chronogram

Deep Listening: The Story of Pauline Oliveros follows Pauline Oliveros, an iconic composer, performer, and innovator. The film explores her groundbreaking work in electronic music. Oliveros was a pioneer and a profound influence on the world of sound. The documentary features rare footage, live performances, and interviews with renowned artists. It offers a comprehensive look at Oliveros’ visionary work and its lasting impact. Produced in collaboration with executive producer lone, Oliveros’ partner in life and work, and the Ministry of Maat, Inc., the film combines rare archival footage, live performances, and unreleased music with appearances by Terry Riley, Anna Halprin, lone, Linda Montano, Laurie Anderson, Thurston Moore, Alvin Lucier, Claire Chase, Miya Masaoka, Morton Subotnick, Tony Martin, Ramon Sender and many more ground-breaking artists.