IndieWire's Filmmaker Toolkit 'Sly Lives!' Director Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson & Producer Joseph Patel
Aug 19, 2025
Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, known for his work on 'Summer of Soul,' and his collaborator Joseph Patel dive into the making of 'Sly Lives!' They discuss the balance between appealing to music fans and new audiences while crafting Sly Stone's powerful narrative. The duo shares insights on their unique creative process, including the spontaneity of Sly's wedding music and the importance of archival footage. They also reflect on the complexities of artistic genius, touching on the vulnerabilities that come with success and the delicate nature of storytelling.
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Summer Of Soul Framed Sly's Turning Point
- Questlove saw Summer of Soul's Sly section as a dress rehearsal pointing to a pivotal two-year shift (1969–71).
- He wanted to know what caused Sly's rapid change after reaching the peak of success.
Common's Timely Call
- Common called Questlove about doing the Sly project right after Summer of Soul screenings.
- The timing nudged Questlove into making the full Sly film he had just been thinking about.
Three Perspectives Shape The Narrative
- The filmmakers intentionally balanced perspectives: Questlove, Joseph Patel, and editor Josh Pearson triangulated the story.
- This mix let them satisfy both deep fans and general audiences.