Director: Questlove
Writer(s): N/A
Starring: Sly Stone, Andre 3000, Chaka Khan, George Clinton, Grace Slick, Clive Davis, Nile Rogers, D’Angelo, Q-Tip, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Greg Errico, Vernon Reid, Larry Graham, Jerry Martini, Ruth Copeland, Cynthia Robinson, Sylvette Phunne Robinson, Novena Carmel, Sylvester Stewart Jr.
Synopsis: Oscar-winning filmmaker Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson directs his sophomore feature documentary follow-up to “Summer of Soul.” SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) examines the life and legacy of Sly & The Family Stone, the groundbreaking band led by the charismatic and enigmatic Sly Stone. This film captures the rise, reign and subsequent fadeout of one of pop music’s most influential artists, but also shines a light on how Black artists in America navigate the unseen burden that comes with their success. Drawing from his own personal experience and relationships, Questlove tells an empathetic human story about the cost of genius, reframing the way we all engage with pop culture.
Release Date: February 13, 2025 (USA) | Length: 112 min | Genre: Biography, History, Music | MPAA Rating: Unknown | Note(s): Original announcement. Sly Stone, Questlove, Common and Derek Dudley are producers on this project. Cynthia Robinsn and the rest of Sly’s children were in the original cast list but not in the current one. I’m leaving their names for now but will check the doc to see if they appear.