Guitar strings do not forget the hands that changed them. Goddess of Slide: The Forgotten Story of Ellen McIlwaine puts a long-overdue spotlight on a rebel with a resonator, following the slide-guitar pioneer’s courageous, uncompromising path through the blues and rock worlds. The feature documentary, directed by Montreal-based award-winner Alfonso Maiorana, traces McIlwaine’s relentless pursuit to claim her rightful place in music history—despite pressure to conform and the cost of turning down lucrative deals.
Eight months after landing in New York’s Greenwich Village with zero industry connections, McIlwaine was opening for giants like Odetta, Richie Havens, and Mississippi John Hurt. Then came six electrifying nights onstage with Jimi Hendrix—performances that altered her trajectory and cemented her legend among musicians. As the film blends past and present, it argues for McIlwaine’s rightful recognition as a foundational influence for generations of women in music.
“Ellen’s career is symbolic of the artist whose innovative contributions to music have long been forgotten. Hers is a timely reminder of the underrepresented voices in music. She was a risk-taker. She was a hero to her peers and to present-day female guitarists alike,” explains director and producer Alfonso Maiorana. The film also features reflections that underline McIlwaine’s fearless spirit and the era she defied. “I was enrolled in a small religious college with no dancing, no public display of affection, girls could only smile in their rooms… I broke that rule!” McIlwaine says. Taj Mahal adds, “Hendrix was a real person. So, if you come in contact with somebody playing like Ellen, he would say ‘Where’s my guitar, let’s get in here and jam.’” And Ani DiFranco points to the industry headwinds McIlwaine faced: “It’s amazing that she withstood what she did and kept making music.”
Goddess of Slide began its festival run at the Calgary International Film Festival in September 2024, earning the Audience Choice Award for Music on Screen Feature. It premiered across Canada on CBC Gem in March 2025 and continues on the festival circuit. Produced by Alfonso Maiorana and Agata De Santis, the project received support from the Canada Media Fund, the Quebec Film and Television Tax Credit, The Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit, documentary Channel, the Rogers Documentary Fund, and the Hot Docs-Slaight Family Fund.
For updates, clips, and the opening scene, follow the film online on the film website and on social: Instagram @goddessofslide, Facebook at facebook.com/goddessofslide, and learn more on the official website. For sales and acquisitions, contact Andrea Stokes, VP, Sales & Acquisitions, Canamedia Partners, at andrea.stokes@canamedia.com.
