Kevin Macdonald, whose next film, The Eagle hits theaters next weekend, has announced that his upcoming project will be a return to documentaries with Marley, a documentary about the famed musician Bob Marley, to be produced by Tuff Gong Pictures and Shangri-La Entertainment.
Macdonald, whose past docs have included One Day in September and Touching the Void, is said to have been granted unpredented access to the Marley’s family’s private archives and will, with their cooperation, attempt a definitive look at the artist’s life and work.
The official press releases describes the project as follows:
Bob Marley’s universal appeal, impact on music history and his role as a social and political prophet is both unique and unparalleled. His music and message transcend culture, language and creed and resonate around the world today as powerfully as when he was alive. Only a handful of musicians have ever achieved such an impact and Bob Marley, though his life was far too short, stands among them.
As one of the most accomplished documentary and feature filmmakers of a new generation Macdonald willdeliver the definitive work on Bob Marley, his life and a truly global influence. Filming is taking place as far afield as Ghana, Japan and the UK, in addition to his beloved Jamaica and the States.
Macdonald said, “I was already intrigued by the Marley story but the way in which this film isdeveloping, as we delve through the archive materials and interview key characters in his life, has surpassed my expectations. What made Bob tick is probably unanswerable but viewers will certainly feel that they know him a little better after seeing our documentary. I am grateful to the Marley family for entrusting me with their heritage.”
The film’s executive producers include Steve Bing, Chris Blackwell and Ziggy Marley, who added: “We went to Kevin initially as an acclaimed documentarian but what has been most important to the family is his obvious passion for and interest in my fathers life as a musician and person.”
The film will receive a world wide theatrical release in Q3 2011, during the 30th anniversary year after his passing in 1981.
