As you may have read on these pages, the story of Sly Stone — the leader of Sly and the Family Stone and one of modern music’s legends — is certainly an interesting subject. So it is no wonder that Questlove picked it up as the subject of a new documentary he is set to direct.
The untitled feature film “follows the story of the influential artist, king of funk, and fashion icon Sly Stone, a musician who was breaking all the rules at a time when doing so was extremely challenging, even dangerous. The pressure of explosive mainstream pop success and the responsibility of representing Black America forced him to walk the fine line of impossible expectations.”
Amit Day, head of MRC Non-Fiction announced the project. He said that “Sly’s influence on popular music and culture as a whole is immeasurable, and what his career represents is a parable that transcends time and place. Questlove’s vision, sensitivity, and reverence bring the urgency that Sly’s story and music deserve, and we’re excited to be working with him to bring Sly’s story to life.”
The project will actually be the second film project directed by Questlove, who won an award at the Sundance Film Festival for Summer of Soul. Another award-winning actor and rapper, Common, will serve as an executive producer via his Star Child Productions along with Derek Dudley and Shelby Stone via ID8 Multimedia.
The film’s official title and release date has not been announced.
