Documentary film director Alex Gibney Fresh from the recent news of a major Hollywood backed production looking at the life and times of soul music legend, Soul Brother No. 1 James Brown, 'Get On Up', due for release in August, comes word that incredibly in the space of one year, there is yet another James Brown film on the horizon, and this one will see the light of day in April. Acclaimed Oscar winning documentary film director Alex Gibney, who last year alone produced 2 outstanding films, 'The Armstrong Lie' (looking at one of the most spectacular falls from grace for a sporting hero, US cyclist Lance Armstrong) and 'We Steal Secrets: The Story Of WikiLeaks' (observing the creation of Julian Assange's game-changing website), has now written and directed a film which is 'still-in-progress' and without a proper name. At the moment it is simply called 'Untitled James Brown Documentary'.
With such a strong body of work behind him, New Yorker Gibney has been given unique co-operation from the Brown Estate to take a deep and thoughtful look into the man who was born both black and poor in the 1930's, revolutionised music, became a self made millionaire and found himself one of the most visual figures during the US civil rights struggles. In truth, James Brown actually achieved 'The American Dream', against all odds. Gibney plans on delivering a definitive look at Brown from 1933 - 1974. What should make this endeavour all the more interesting is the fact JB encountered so many struggles along the way, yet his influence (Michael Jackson, Prince, hip-hop, black pride, the list is endless) is as strong as ever. 'Untitled James Brown Documentary' will have its world premiere at actor Robert DeNiro's annual Tribeca Film Festival in New York on 27th April, where Mr Gibney will be on hand afterwards to answer questions from the audience. What is ironic for me personally is on that very day I shall be attending a screening of his documentary, 'Finding Fela!', looking at the life of the Nigerian musician and human rights activist Fela Kuti, right here at the Sundance London Film Festival. On his past efforts, my expectations are high for both James Brown and Fela Kuti projects. Can't wait...
With such a strong body of work behind him, New Yorker Gibney has been given unique co-operation from the Brown Estate to take a deep and thoughtful look into the man who was born both black and poor in the 1930's, revolutionised music, became a self made millionaire and found himself one of the most visual figures during the US civil rights struggles. In truth, James Brown actually achieved 'The American Dream', against all odds. Gibney plans on delivering a definitive look at Brown from 1933 - 1974. What should make this endeavour all the more interesting is the fact JB encountered so many struggles along the way, yet his influence (Michael Jackson, Prince, hip-hop, black pride, the list is endless) is as strong as ever. 'Untitled James Brown Documentary' will have its world premiere at actor Robert DeNiro's annual Tribeca Film Festival in New York on 27th April, where Mr Gibney will be on hand afterwards to answer questions from the audience. What is ironic for me personally is on that very day I shall be attending a screening of his documentary, 'Finding Fela!', looking at the life of the Nigerian musician and human rights activist Fela Kuti, right here at the Sundance London Film Festival. On his past efforts, my expectations are high for both James Brown and Fela Kuti projects. Can't wait...
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