The cast includes LEGO versions of Jay-Z and Snoop Dogg.
Documentaries have gone through many stages, from the expository to the mockumentary. Piece by Piece is a game-changer, as it is told through the lens of LEGO animation. Sharing the story of the musician Pharrell Williams, it will be the Closing Night Gala film at the 68th BFI London Film Festival.
Piece by Piece is an animated biopic that explores Pharrell's life and work. The film follows his early career as a producer in The Neptunes and performer in N.E.R.D. to becoming a successful artist and fashion designer. The cast includes LEGO versions of Busta Rhymes, Gwen Stefani, Jay-Z, Missy Elliot, and Snoop Dogg. Everything is, indeed, awesome, as the documentary also includes new music from Pharrell. The documentary is directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker, Morgan Neville. He is behind 20 Feet From Stardom, Roadrunner: A Film About Anthony Bourdain and Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
Director Morgan Neville explained: “The BFI London Film Festival has been supportive of my career for a long time, with my first-time screening there being over twenty years ago. Bringing Piece by Piece to the LFF means the world to me, and getting to be the closing night gala is the cherry on top of this huge honour. I’m thrilled to celebrate this film with the London audience.”
Kristy Matheson, BFI London Film Festival Director, added: “Piece by Piece is a film of enormous joy and invention. In telling the story of Pharrell Williams, entirely in LEGO, acclaimed documentarian Morgan Neville brings a sense of wonder to this story that matches the creativity and verve of his subject.”
The BFI London Film Festival runs from 9 to 20 October.
Piece by Piece will be released in UK cinemas on 8 November.
Check in with FACT for the latest things to do in London.
GO: Visit www.bfi.org.uk for more information.