Questlove’s Sly Stone Documentary to Premiere at Sundance
Questlove’s highly anticipated documentary, SLY LIVES! (The Burden of Black Genius), is set to make its debut at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, beginning on January 23. The documentary, which delves into the life and legacy of funk pioneer Sly Stone, marks Questlove’s follow-up to his Academy Award-winning debut, Summer of Soul.
A Tribute to a Legend
Announced in 2022, SLY LIVES! explores the music and cultural contributions of Sly Stone while shedding light on the struggles faced by Black artists in navigating fame. In his Instagram announcement, Questlove described the film as a profound journey into Sly’s influence on music and culture.
“Directed by Oscar-winner Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson, the film explores the life, music, and cultural impact of Sly Stone, shedding light on the challenges faced by Black artists navigating success,” the Roots drummer wrote.
Reflecting on his connection to Sly Stone’s artistry, Questlove stated: “Sly’s creative legacy is in my DNA. It’s a Black musician’s blueprint. 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.”
A Stellar Track Record
Questlove’s passion for uncovering untold Black stories in music first emerged with Summer of Soul, which spotlighted the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. The critically acclaimed documentary brought long-overdue attention to the festival’s significance and earned Questlove an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature.
The filmmaker and musician continues to champion cultural preservation. In addition to SLY LIVES!, Questlove is working on a documentary about Earth, Wind & Fire. Announced in September, the untitled project promises exclusive access to the legendary group’s archives and has the full support of the band and the estate of Maurice White, the group’s late founder.
“Having been baptized in the Afrocentric joy river of this powerhouse unit, I’ve learned about them, I’ve learned about us, and more importantly, I’ve rediscovered myself in the process,” Questlove shared about the project.
Preserving Black Genius
SLY LIVES! not only pays homage to Sly Stone’s indelible mark on music but also addresses the broader challenges Black artists face in balancing their art, identity, and public expectations. As Sundance approaches, fans and critics alike are eager to witness Questlove’s latest masterpiece.
With a deep reverence for his subject and an eye for uncovering untold stories, Questlove continues to solidify his place as a visionary filmmaker and cultural historian.
