Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, co-founder of The Roots and Academy Award-winning director, is set to premiere his latest film, Sly Lives!, at the Sundance Film Festival. This marks a significant milestone for Questlove, who missed presenting his previous work in person due to the 2021 virtual-only event. Now, with a live audience expected at Park City's Eccles Theatre, the film promises to delve deep into the life, music, and legacy of the iconic Sly Stone. Through interviews with artists influenced by Sly, including Andre 3000 and D'Angelo, the film explores themes of self-sabotage and artistic evolution. Questlove also reflects on how making this film has profoundly impacted his own creative process and personal growth.

Unveiling the Legacy: A New Chapter for Questlove at Sundance

In the heart of Utah's picturesque Park City, the renowned Eccles Theatre will host the highly anticipated premiere of Sly Lives! on Thursday evening. For Questlove, this moment signifies more than just another film debut—it represents a journey through the complex life of Sly Stone, an artist whose influence has permeated across generations. The film features rare footage of Sly and his band during their peak, along with candid interviews from those he inspired. Questlove’s approach to storytelling not only honors Sly’s contributions but also sheds light on the broader issue of artists sabotaging themselves. The documentary launches on Hulu on February 13th, following its four screenings at Sundance.

Questlove's multi-faceted career as a musician, filmmaker, and author continues to flourish. Beyond Sly Lives!, he is currently working on a film about Earth, Wind & Fire and co-directed Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music for NBC, celebrating Saturday Night Live’s golden anniversary. Despite the emotional toll of delving into Sly’s story, Questlove found solace in creating lighter content, emphasizing the importance of balance in his creative endeavors.

The film’s production was a labor-intensive process, involving extensive archival research and listening sessions. Questlove’s dedication to capturing the essence of Sly’s music led him to explore previously unheard recordings, revealing fresh insights into the artist’s innovative methods. This immersion has already begun to influence his upcoming album with longtime collaborator Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter, showcasing how deeply Sly’s legacy has resonated with him.

For Questlove, premiering Sly Lives! before a live audience at Sundance holds special significance. It comes after a period of self-reflection following the 2022 Oscars incident, where he realized the importance of addressing mental health and the pressures faced by Black artists. This film serves as both a tribute to Sly Stone and a testament to Questlove’s own evolution as an artist and individual.

Ultimately, Sly Lives! transcends a mere biographical account; it offers a profound exploration of creativity, vulnerability, and the enduring impact of pioneering artists. Through this lens, Questlove invites viewers to reflect on the challenges and triumphs that define artistic legacies.

From a journalist's perspective, Sly Lives! underscores the critical need for artists to confront their inner struggles while celebrating their contributions. By humanizing Sly Stone and other influential figures, Questlove opens a dialogue about the complexities of fame and the importance of mental well-being in the creative industry. This film not only honors Sly’s legacy but also serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience required to navigate the highs and lows of artistic expression.