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AHMIR “QUESTLOVE” THOMPSON TO DIRECT SLY STONE FEATURE DOCUMENTARY

MRC Non-Fiction Partners with Network Entertainment, Two One Five Entertainment, Stardust Films and ID8 Multimedia for a Documentary Film from “Summer of Soul” Director about Legendary Artist Sly Stone

MRC Non-Fiction today announced an “Untitled Sly Stone” project that follows the story of groundbreaking artist Sly Stone, founding member of Sly and the Family Stone. Four-time GRAMMY® Award-winner Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson will direct with his Two One Five Entertainment along with producing partners Zarah Zohlman and Shawn Gee. Oscar®and Emmy® Award-winner Common will executive produce via Stardust Films with Derek Dudley and Shelby Stone executive producing via ID8 Multimedia. Network Entertainment’s Derik Murray and Brian Gersh will serve as producers.

The untitled documentary 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.

Said Questlove, “It goes beyond saying that Sly’s creative legacy is in my DNA….it’s a black musician’s blueprint….to be given the honor to explore his history and legacy is beyond a dream for me.” 

“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,” said Amit Dey, Head of MRC Non-Fiction. “Questlove’s vision, sensitivity and reverence brings 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.”   

Thompson’s “Summer of Soul (… Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised)” landed the 2021 Sundance Documentary Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award and secured a record-breaking distribution deal with Searchlight Pictures and Hulu. In addition, the accomplished musician and The New York Times bestselling author executive produced AMC’s acclaimed documentary series “Hip-Hop: The Songs That Shook America,” served as the executive music producer and composer on the A&E miniseries “Roots,” and co-produced the Grammy Award-winning “Original Broadway Cast Recording of Hamilton.”

MRC Non-Fiction’s first feature length documentary “The Sparks Brothers,” Edgar Wright’s musical odyssey about the singular career of brothers Ron & Russell Mael, had its world premiere at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival and received glowing reviews.

About MRC Non-Fiction
MRC Non-Fiction works with a diverse group of artists to develop, finance and produce feature documentaries and docuseries for global audiences who seek enduring and definitive storytelling. The slate includes: “The Sparks Brothers,” the critically acclaimed debut documentary from filmmaker Edgar Wright (“Baby Driver”), chronicling the 50-year career of influential American duo Sparks, which premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival; and “The Last Rider,” which tells the story of legendary cyclist Greg LeMond, from acclaimed director Alex Holmes. For more information, please visit www.mrcentertainment.com.

Sly & The Family Stone are featured at Amazon Music for Black History Month. Listen to their [RE]DISCOVER Playlist here! https://amzn.to/3aVHSSz

Legendary funk, rock and psychedelic records aside — in the ’60s they were the FIRST band with a lineup of men and women, racially integrated. The Bay area powerhouse laid the foundation for rock and funk bands for decades to come, bringing a uniquely vibrant energy during a time that truly needed it.

The new documentary Summer Of Soul (…Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised), featuring rare live footage of Sly & The Family Stone, will be available at the virtual Sundance Film Festival at Sundance.org.

In 1969, during the same summer as Woodstock, a different music festival took place 100 miles away. More than 300,000 people attended the summer concert series known as the Harlem Cultural Festival. It was filmed, but after that summer, the footage sat in a basement for 50 years. It has never been seen. Until now.

Summer Of Soul is a stunning unearthed treasure destined to become a pillar of American music and African American history. In his striking debut as a filmmaker, the legendary musician Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson presents this transporting documentary—part concert film, part historical record—about an epic event that radiated the wholesale reevaluation of Black history, culture, fashion, and music.

Sly & The Family Stone’s best album, writer Gene Santoro of Music Aficionado argues, is also one of their most undersung. Here’s the incredible story of how Sly’s most underrated album came to be: MusicAficionado.com.