The City of West Hollywood’s Artists and Icons series is set to host a film screening of the short documentary, “Relighting Candles: The Tim Sullivan Story,” followed by a conversation and Q&A session featuring advocate, activist, and candlemaker Tim Sullivan. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at 7 p.m. and will take place at the City of West Hollywood’s Council Chambers/Public Meeting Room, located at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard. Admission to the event is free, but due to limited seating, RSVPs are requested via Eventbrite. Attendees will have the option of receiving parking validation for the adjacent five-story West Hollywood Park structure (subject to availability).
Tim Sullivan, known as a true West Hollywood hero, has been a pillar of the community for the past 25 years. He has operated a candle shop in West Hollywood, where he not only crafts candles but also employs individuals experiencing homelessness and those in recovery during the December holiday season. Tim’s journey to sobriety, which began in 1981, has never extinguished his dedication to serving the community.
“Relighting Candles: The Tim Sullivan Story” is a short documentary directed by Zeberiah Newman and Michiel Thomas and executive-produced by Ben Falcone and Melissa McCarthy. The documentary chronicles the inspirational story of 82-year-old Tim Sullivan, from his battle with alcoholism to his triumph over it and his commitment to offering employment opportunities to unhoused and newly sober members of his community at Timothy Jay Candles.
The West Hollywood Artists & Icons series, organized by the City of West Hollywood’s Arts Division, celebrates the lives and work of West Hollywood residents and artists who have made significant contributions to local, national, or global culture. Previous events in the series have honored local artists and icons such as Lou Adler, Barbara Bain, Bette Davis & Mae West, Frances Taylor Davis, Dan Guerrero, and Michael McMillen.
For additional information about the Artists & Icons Series, please visit www.weho.org/community/arts-and-culture/about/west-hollywood-artists-icons.
For inquiries, please contact Joy Tribble, the City of West Hollywood’s Arts Specialist, at (323) 848-6360 or jtribble@weho.org. For individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing, please call TTY (323) 848-6496.
In a separate development, actress Melissa McCarthy has taken on the role of executive producer for a new documentary centered on West Hollywood candlemaker Tim Sullivan. The documentary, titled “Relighting Candles: The Tim Sullivan Story,” directed by Zeberiah Newman and Michiel Thomas, aims to introduce Tim Sullivan’s compelling story to a broader audience.
Tim Sullivan, who achieved sobriety over four decades ago, relocated to West Hollywood from New York and founded Timothy Jay Candles. His candle shop unexpectedly became a vital support network for the sober community, offering employment to numerous individuals experiencing homelessness and those in recovery.
Melissa McCarthy expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Once we discovered Tim Sullivan’s heartwarming story and the incredible impact he has had on numerous lives through his beautiful candle creations, we realized that these filmmakers were effectively sharing the kind of narrative we are passionate about bringing to a wider audience.”
The documentary will delve into various aspects of Tim Sullivan’s life, including his journey to sobriety, his involvement in the LGBTQ+ community, and his interactions with renowned figures like Diana Ross. Tim Sullivan’s experiences and insights will be featured prominently in the film.
Reflecting on his initial hesitations about the documentary, Tim Sullivan remarked, “I was uncertain about its focus. However, after conversing with co-director Zeb, who already possessed knowledge of my candle shop’s story, I agreed to participate.”
The documentary will also shed light on the transformation of Tim Sullivan’s candle-making passion into a thriving business. This journey began over 25 years ago when Tim crafted a candle for a sponsee from his 12-step recovery program. Over time, his candles garnered attention from high-profile individuals, leading to substantial orders and the establishment of enduring relationships.
“Relighting Candles: The Tim Sullivan Story” promises to provide audiences with an intimate portrayal of Tim Sullivan’s remarkable journey, illuminating lives lived in darkness and the path to recovery. For more information or to purchase candles, visit Timothy Jay Candles.
Wow! This uplifting event portraying a humble individual should be inspiring to others in this overly caustic community.