With theToronto International Film Festivalfast approaching, it has been announced that next month’s event will see the world premiere of theCarlos López EstradaandZac ManueldirectedLil Nas X: Long Live Montero, a new documentary chronically Grammy-winning rapperLil Nas X’s first global world tour. Shot over 60 days, the film will explore the life and career of one of the most notable and provacative stars to arise within recent years.
No stranger to the world of music, Estrada is behind the videos of such artists asBillie Eilish,Katy Perry, andCarly Rae Jepsen- he is also the director of Disney’sRaya and the Last Dragon. Manuel previously worked as director and cinematographer on short filmsPainted LadyandThe Cut. Produced by RadicalMedia, in association with Sony Music Entertainment’s Premium Content Division, Columbia Records, and Museum & Crane, the film will provide an intimate exploration into what it means to be a Black, queer pop star, in what TIFF called “an emotional odyssey”.Cameron Bailet, TIFF CEO,said“Lil Nas X: Long Live Monterois a triumphant ode to the extraordinary power of self-expression, music, and identity,” adding that “In this groundbreaking documentary, we witness Lil Nas X challenging boundaries and reshaping the artistic landscape. The film’s captivating journey underscores the profound impact of Lil Nas X, who fearlessly brings audiences together through the universal language of music. We are thrilled to host Lil Nas X at TIFF this year.”
Lil Nas X first shot to fame with the success of his single “Old Town Road”, which would go on to become the longest running No. 1 single in history, having spent 19 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Since then the artist has won twoGrammy Awardsand released his debut albumMontero, which spawned mega-hits “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” and “Industry Baby”, the latter of which would becomeSpotify’s most streamed hip-hop song of the decade.
Who Is BehindLil Nas X: Long Live Montero?
Dave Sirulnickserves as a producer on the project alongside Sony Music’sSaul Levitzand Museum & Crane’sCaryn Capotosto. BPG/Maverick’sGee Robersonand Rebel’sAdam LeberandAdriana Arcealso produce.Tom Mackay,Krista Wegener,Meredith Bennett,Jon Kamen, andFrank Schermaare credited as executive producers. The documentary will show at the festival alongside other titles such as fellow music documentaryHate to Love, which centers on the much-derided rock bandNickelback, as well asTaika Waititi’s sports dramaNext Goal Wins, which starsMichael Fassbenderand Elisabeth Moss. A documentary focusing on the career ofSylvester Stallone,Sly, directed byThom Zimny, will close out the festival.
Check out the poster for the new documentary below:
