TUNE IN: Sly Lives! (aka the Burden of Black Genius)

January 23, Sundance film Festival & February 13 on Hulu and Disney+

An examination of the life and legacy of Sly & The Family Stone — the groundbreaking band led by the charismatic and enigmatic Sly Stone — captures the band’s rise, reign, and subsequent fadeout while shedding light on the unseen burden that comes with success for Black artists in America.
Academy Award-winning director Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson returns to the festival with a music-rich, profound exploration. Eschewing conventional biographical methods, the film immediately envelops us in band leader Sly Stone’s extraordinary musical talent while asking: What is the burden of Black genius? Sly transcended musical boundaries like no one else, but trailblazing comes at a personal cost.

While many fear failure, the film highlights how success can bring its own pain. The result is a revelatory journey born from a deep understanding of the band’s far-reaching influence and impact. Through an incredible soundtrack, exuberant archival footage and thought-provoking discussions with family, band members, scholars, and musicians, Thompson presents a powerful tribute to the visionary musical artistry of Sly & The Family Stone, while honoring and celebrating Black creativity.

Director – Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson
Producers – Joseph Patel, Derik Murray