Despite writing and directing 1995's "Living in Oblivion," the blistering satire of the independent-film industry, Tom DiCillo is a passionate and loyal veteran of the Sundance Film Festival. After bringing all six of his fictional films to the festival, this year he returns with his first documentary, "When You're Strange," a documentary about The Doors. He was asked to write and direct the film by producers who had access to extraordinary, never-before-seen footage of the seminal 1960s band headed by the late Jim Morrison.

What did the producers want you to do?

They wanted something different. They didn't know quite what they wanted to do. In fact, it was my idea, after looking at all the footage, to not get out of the time period and to keep the film right now as if it's happening now. I made this decision to come up with this interesting narrative structure so that we don't have any talking heads. It was a risk, and I think it works.

Besides Jim Morrison, what was it about The Doors that attracted you to them?

They were all fantastic. Each one of them is extremely talented in their own way. And when you consider how the four of them blended these very, very different musical sensibilities, you can see why the music is so original. Ray [Manzarek] had early training in classical piano, but he also really loves jazz. Robby Krieger was only playing the electric guitar for six months before he joined the band. [John] Densmore was just an amazing drummer. They had no bass player. The job of keeping time fell mainly to Densmore.

Why submit the film to Sundance?

It's the best film festival in the world. I've been there with every movie [I've made]. My first film was there in 1991. I've felt a very strong connection to the festival. They've been very supportive. I have been to the Sundance Institute twice to serve as an adviser. I hope I don't sound naive, but I don't think there's any favoritism.