Finding Fela, a documentary about the Broadway musical FELA! which follows the story of Nigerian human rights musician Fela Kuti, has been acquired by independent film distributor Kino Lorber to screen in the US.
Directed by renowned US documentary filmmaker Alex Gibney and co-produced by Okayafrica, Jigsaw Productions and Knitting Factory Entertainment, Finding Fela featured at the Sundance Film Festival in January where it received sold-out screenings.
Gibney said, “I’m very proud of Finding Fela and am delighted that the film will have a robust theatrical release in North America, so that audiences can experience the story and the power of this extraordinary performer and fighter for social justice. As Fela has said, in fighting for a better possibility, “music is the weapon.’’
The film captures the journey and reception of the musical production FELA!, which found a new home in Kuti’s birthplace in Lagos after a successful Broadway run which earned it 11 Tony Award nominations and three awards for Best Choreography, Best Costume Design of a Musical, and Best Sound Design of a Musical in 2010. It will be the first Broadway show to play in Africa with its original cast.
