Bob Marley Director makes EXODUS

Martin Scorsese pulled out of directing an authorized documentary about Bob Marley because of "scheduling conflicts."

So who steps into take his place?

Oscar-winning film-maker Jonathan Demme. The untitled documentary is set to be released on February 6, 2010 to mark the 65th anniversary of the musician's birth.

Demme, who won an Academy Award in 1992 for The Silence of the Lambs, said he was "thrilled and humbled" to work with the Marley family on the project.

Bob Marley's son Ziggy, who will act as executive producer, said he was "excited" by Demme's participation. "His empathy with my father's body of work and his unique understanding of the musical documentary form makes me confident that this film will be the ultimate celebration of my father's life," he said.

Demme, who has previously made documentaries with Neil Young and Talking Heads, said Marley was "one of the greatest human beings of modern times". He said he hoped the film, produced by Tuff Gong Pictures and Shangri-La Entertainment, would be a "worthy vessel" for Marley's "spiritual and musical brilliance".

Marley died of cancer in 1981 at the age of 36.

Scorsese had been due to follow his Rolling Stones concert film Shine a Light with the Marley documentary. He is also working on films about Beatles guitarist George Harrison and former US President Theodore Roosevelt. (BBC)
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You know Spike Lee has done catch a fire, talkin' now how u not gawn call me??!! Regardless, this film better be good! Otherwise this woman will be a crying (yeah I said it!) Do you think Demme will do it justice or would u have prefered another Director?

I also understand that a biopic based on a book by Bob Marley’s widow, Rita, is also in the works. I wonder who will direct that one. Anybody got the scoop? Fill us in!!!

I nominate Jill Scott to play Rita in that one!
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Flava reppin' the global Hip Hop movement!
posted by Nikki Strong