Van directs Astral Weeks film

Morrison began his music career in Belfast at the age of 15

The famously media-shy musician Van Morrison is to release a documentary film charting his experience of reviving his Astral Weeks album.

The film, called "To Be Born Again", is due to be released early next year. The name refers to a lyric in the Astral Weeks title track.

The Belfast-born Morrison has been performing the album in its entirety in a series of concerts, mainly in the US.

The film is being made with music video producer Darren Doane.

Mr Doane co-directed a film of Van Morrison performing Astral Weeks live at the Hollywood Bowl.

He told Rolling Stone magazine the new film "shows the real Van Morrison" and "is about exposing and tearing down all the myths about Van Morrison and the music industry as a whole."

The film will show Morrison as he rehearses for the tour and will also features interviews and live performances.

Astral Weeks sold poorly when it was first released in 1968 but has been a consistent critical favourite, regularly featuring in all-time best album lists.