Thompson memorial to become film

Thompson's widow Anita said the writer loved explosions

The memorial of cult writer Hunter S Thompson - which involved his ashes being blasted into the sky by a cannon - is to be turned into a film.

When I Die, directed by Wayne Ewing, depicts the 15-storey tower used to fire the journalist's ashes at a private service in August.

The 67-year-old writer shot himself in his kitchen in February this year.

The hour-long film will be shown at the Starz Denver International Film Festival on Saturday.

Writer's wishes

Actor Jonny Depp was among a host of stars at Thompson's send-off

Actor Johnny Depp, who played Thompson in the film of his book Fear And Loathing In Las Vagas, was among those who attended the memorial and paid for the cannon.

Sean Penn, Lyle Lovett and the Nitty Gritty Dirt band also paid their last respects at the event, which was not open to any media organisations.

Friends were instructed to remember him afterwards with the clink of ice in whiskey.

When I Die depicts the final send-off for Thompson as well as the planning and governmental approvals that organisers needed in order to honour the journalist's wishes.

Director Wayne Ewing was also responsible for directing Breakfast With Hunter, a film about the writer in 2003.