Willie forgets Nelson/Starlight

Greg Nesteroff, historian, writes for the Nelson Daily News, about Willie Nelson and Starlight. Does anyone know why this film was made and who funded it? What does Willie think about it?

Excerts from article:

[new biography Willie Nelson: An Epic Life does not mention Starlight at all]

The country music legend came to Nelson [1993] as mystical Grandpa Lium in Starlight, directed by Jonathon Kay, and starring Billy Wirth and Rae Dawn Chong. He stayed at Hume Hotel, and according to [proprieter] earned a reputation for tipping $20 when brought breakfast. Room 222 was named after him.

... some scenes feature Baker and Ward streets, with opening shot overlooking city. [also] old Winje farm in Slocan valley.

The film premiered in Vancouver (1996) to savage reviews. Described as "jaw-droppingly awful", a "celluloid atrocity", and liable to tempt "a Buddhist nun ... to nuke the nearest whale", it may have been the very nadir of Willy's career.