Ego: The Michael Gudinski Story features interviews with global names including Kylie Minogue, Dave Grohl, Sting, Ed Sheeran, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel and Jimmy Barnes.

Gudinski was a godfather figure in the Australian music scene, having founded Mushroom Records in May 1972.

Mushroom went on to become the largest independent label in Australian music history.

Gudinski died in March 2021 at his home in Melbourne at the age of 68.

Director Paul Goldman had worked on music videos with Mushroom, and said the likes of Bono, Sting, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen "came running" to do interviews for the documentary.

While Gudinski was a household name in Australia, most Australians don't realise how popular he was globally, Goldman told AAP.

"Michael was held in the most enormous regard and high esteem overseas, and that's really based on the fact that he was such an incredibly larger than life character," he said.

The film offers a peek behind the curtain of a great impresario, revealing the sensitive man behind the maverick promoter.

It also charts that songs that make up Australia's musical back catalogue.

"Michael was behind some of the most iconic bands, the most classic music, he really did provide the soundtrack to our lives and the life of the nation," Goldman said.

The festival's opening night feature will be the Australian premiere of Noora Niasari's film Shayda, following its Audience Award win at the Sundance festival.

The Melbourne International Film Festival returns from August 3-20, and will also screen in regional locations.

Australian Associated Press