Patti Smith - Dream of Life (2008)

dir. Steven Sebring

Equipped with a 16-millimeter camera, the fashion photographer Steven Sebring spent 11 years filming the punk rocker and poet Patti Smith. The result is not just an insightful and inspiring documentary, “Patti Smith: Dream of Life.” It is also 109 minutes of exquisite imagery. “I approached the film the way I do my photography — always looking for that one extraordinary moment,” said Mr. Sebring, who, for his efforts, won the documentary cinematography award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.

Now, a selection of those images has been made into a companion book, published by Rizzoli and available at the Film Forum. And a exhibition of Ms. Smith’s paintings, objects from the movie and oversize photographs shot by Mr. Sebring of her personal mementos (like her signature combat boots) is making its way around the world. In September, it will be at the Melbourne International Arts Festival, but for now, the limited-edition prints can be seen and bought on the film’s Web site, dreamoflifethemovie.com.