World Premiere in Japan of Persistent Investigative Efforts

Sly Stone, the "legendary funkster" who influenced Prince and Michael Jackson. Stone, who sang gospel in church from a young age and released a single at age nine, went on to lead the funk-rock band "Sly & The Family Stone," captivating many with his abundant talent. However, he abruptly disbanded the group in 1975. After several arrests for drug possession and other offenses, he remained missing for a long time.

This film, "Sly Stone," is a work by filmmaker Willem Alkema, who has been persistently investigating Stone's surroundings and tracking his whereabouts since 1993.

The film also includes a last-minute inclusion of the court ruling in favor of Sly Stone in his lawsuit against his former manager (announced in January 2015). This Japanese release marks the film's world premiere.

Interview Condition: "Only One Question"—What Will Sly Say?

Sly Stone, who led his band "Sly & The Family Stone" and reigned as a major figure in the music world with hit songs like "Dance to the Music" and "Everyday People." In 1993, Dutch filmmaker Willem Alkema was struck by "I Can't Strain My Brain" from the 1974 album "Small Talk" by "Sly & The Family Stone" and decided to search for Sly's whereabouts.

However, it was unclear where Sly was or what he was doing. Undeterred, Director Willem began his research. With the help of the Koning brothers, twin enthusiasts of Sly Stone also living in the Netherlands, he dug through old archival footage to trace Sly's footsteps.

The interview, finally realized through these efforts, came with a single condition: "Only one question." What will Sly reveal? Sly's upbringing, his dazzling success and setbacks, friendships and betrayals, conflicts... The turbulent half-life of the legendary star, shrouded in mystery, is now unveiled.



"Sly Stone"
Opening May 16 (Saturday) at Shinjuku K's cinema
Director | Willem Alkema
Starring | Sly Stone, Willem Alkema, Jerry Martini, Greg Errico, Freddie Stone, Pat Rizzo, Cynthia Robinson
Distributor | Curiouscope
2015 / Netherlands / 75 min
http://www.curiouscope.jp/SLY/


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