London Film Festival to close with Pharrell Williams documentary Piece by Piece rendered in LEGO animation

The 68^th BFI London Film Festival, running from the 9^th to the 20^th October 2024, will conclude with the UK premiere of Piece by Piece, a documentary that explores the life of musician Pharrell Williams through LEGO animation. The festival, in partnership with American Express, will host the closing night gala at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall. The film, directed by Academy Award winner Morgan Neville and produced by a team including Williams himself, will also be screened simultaneously at nine other UK venues.

Piece by Piece chronicles Williams’ career, from his beginnings in Virginia Beach and his early work with The Neptunes and N.E.R.D., to his rise as a global music icon. The documentary features appearances by other music legends such as Jay-Z, Missy Elliot, Gwen Stefani, Busta Rhymes and Snoop Dogg, all rendered in LEGO animation, a creative choice inspired by Williams’ vision.

Neville expressed his enthusiasm about the premiere: “The BFI London Film Festival has been supportive of my career for a long time, with my first time screening there being over twenty years ago. Bringing Piece by Piece to the LFF means the world to me, and getting to be the closing night gala is the cherry on top of this huge honour. I’m thrilled to celebrate this film with the London audience.”

Kristy Matheson, Director of the BFI London Film Festival, praised the film for its creative approach: “Piece by Piece is a film of enormous joy and invention. In telling the story of Pharrell Williams, entirely in LEGO® acclaimed documentarian Morgan Neville brings a sense of wonder to this story that matches the creativity and verve of his subject. This is a must for fans and will charm the uninitiated alike, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Piece by Piece to close this year’s BFI London Film Festival.”

Following its festival showing, Piece by Piece is scheduled for a UK-wide release in cinemas on the 8^th November. The feature’s unique portrayal and the star-studded cast are expected to draw significant audience interest, marking a high note for the festival’s close.

The editorial unit

Piece by Piece is released in UK cinemas on 8^th November 2024.

Watch the trailer for Piece by Piece here: