THE STORY

CRADLED BY GRACE follows jazz trumpeter Ephraim Owens and composer Sam Lipman as they prepare to premiere a concerto Lipman wrote for Owens, drawing on his life and artistry. The piece brings Owens’ improvisational voice into conversation with the Austin Symphony Orchestra. When a life-altering health crisis complicates the premiere, Owens must confront new limits while holding fast to the music that has sustained him.

Directed and produced by Vanessa Reiser, produced by Courtney B. Cook, and executive produced by Debbie Hiott, CRADLED BY GRACE is an intimate glimpse into artistic risk and the challenges of creating across traditions. Above all, the documentary reveals improvisation as a way of surviving when life refuses to follow the score.

Rooted in Austin’s music community and made by an all-Austin film team, CRADLED BY GRACE blends archival footage with vérité scenes of rehearsals, performances, and quiet, everyday moments with Ephraim and his family. Interviews with local jazz and classical musicians, venue owners, and Ephraim’s family reflect the invaluable care and support behind his career—and the relationships required to keep Austin’s musicians creating.

“Ephraim Owens represents a generation of musicians who were able to find their footing in Austin at a moment when the city made room for experimentation and artistic growth,” says director Vanessa Reiser. “Ephraim arrived in the 1990s and built a remarkable career here, helping sustain Austin’s reputation as the live music capital of the world. How can we make sure Austin remains a place where musicians can stay, collaborate with other artists, take risks, and get the care they need when times are tough?”

The film features Austin music champions Charlie Sexton, Mitch Watkins, and Steve Wertheimer, alongside the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and others. Their performances and perspectives highlight the foundations of a musical community surrounding Ephraim and Sam. An original score by Brett Orrison, CEO of Austin nonprofit record label SpaceFlight Records, connects lively performances with intimate everyday moments. Community screenings and events are being planned in the spirit of the film’s collaborations and CRADLED BY GRACE will have its broadcast premiere on Austin PBS in February 2027.