THE OBENSON REPORT

I don't recall ever seeing a true documentary about the life of legendary reggae star Bob Marley. I checked IMDB and found a few titles, but mostly concert recordings and musical tributes. There are a couple of documentaries listed, but I'm not familiar with any of them, although that doesn't mean that they aren't worthy of mention. It's also surprising that there hasn't been a feature-length narrative film about Marley either. I wonder who would be on the short list of actors in consideration to play Marley on film.

Anywho... I found the following piece of news... I suppose this could be considered the first "major" documentary about Marley's life ever made.

From Variety Magazine...

Martin Scorsese, Steve Bing's Shangri-La Entertainment and international sales agent Fortissimo Films will reteam for the helmer's next musically themed effort -- a yet-to-be-titled documentary about legendary reggae star Bob Marley.

Trio were behind the helmer's Rolling Stones docu "Shine a Light," which opened the Berlin Film Festival on Thursday. Tuff Gong Pictures and Shangri-La are producing the pic, which has been authorized by Marley's family. Docu is set for release on Feb. 6, 2010, on what would have been Marley's 65th birthday.

"I am thrilled that the Marley family will finally have the opportunity to document our father's legacy and are truly honored to have Mr. Scorsese guide the journey," son Ziggy Marley said.

Episode 26 - The Obenson Report on Black Film / Cinema
Sponsored in part by ActNow Foundation

Recorded Monday, November 26, 2007, 9PM
TRT 60 Minutes

TOPICS DISCUSSED:
- Industry news and notes - top dead celebrity salary earners (Tupac made the cut)//Terrence Howard does Tennessee Williams//The "Cosby" effect.
- My review of BLACK ORPHEUS (ORFEU NEGRO) and THIS CHRISTMAS.
- Listener-submitted reviews of DARATT and SIA, THE PYTHON.
- The "Capable Tenth" funded black film studio. PLEASE CONTRIBUTE WHATEVER YOU CAN. SEE INFO BELOW.

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FILMS MENTIONED DURING BROADCAST: