On 23rd June, the UK’s leading documentary festival Sheffield DocFest will mark its return with a UK premiere of Brett Morgen’s ‘Moonage Daydream’ on its opening night. As Bowie fans may have guessed from the film’s title, this year’s festival will kick off with an immersive voyage into the works of the late icon. Fittingly, the documentary will feature at Sheffield City Hall, 50 years since his first appearance at the venue in June 1972.
In 2015, Morgen made his debut at the festival with the acclaimed, ‘Cobain: Montage of Heck’, an exploration of the turbulent life and works of the Nirvana frontman which was nominated for seven Prime-Time Emmy awards, including ‘Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special’. Standing testament to the sensitivity and respect with which Morgen handled this project, two years later he was granted no-holds-barred access to 5 million assets held by the Bowie estate, and given their public endorsement in preserving David’s legacy (the first of any film to be given such an honour). Within this veritable Bowie treasure trove, Morgen has unearthed unseen performances, candid footage and interviews which chronicle the inner workings of a man whose talent and vision may just require 5 million archival resources to fully comprehend.
While it is likely that reels of this footage alone would be a revelation to Bowie fans, ‘Moonage Daydream’ presents Bowie’s story and works by creating an immersive soundscape and kaleidoscopic visual experience to appropriately convey his unique interpretation of art, music and life. A process which required 18 months and called upon the talents of Bowie’s long-time friend and collaborator, Tony Visconti, and legendary sound mixer, Paul Massey (Bohemian Rhapsody). As Morgen himself summarises, “Moonage Daydream invites audiences to come together to participate in a shared experience, to share in the wonder of Bowie”.
Within this veritable Bowie treasure trove, Morgen has unearthed unseen performances, candid footage and interviews which chronicle the inner workings of a man whose talent and vision may just require 5 million archival resources to fully comprehend.
The full programme for the festival will be announced Tuesday the 31st of May. The Festival Pass is now available on the DocFest website from £168, providing full access to the full festival programme of films, exhibitions, talks, panels, industry sessions and live pitches, networking events and parties. Free activities will be taking place during the festival, and you can also purchase single event tickets from £5 and ‘DocLover’ packages from £30.
