A new documentary exploring the life and legacy of music icon Prince is making its Canadian premiere right here in Niagara Falls this weekend.
Prince: The Untold Story - Mr. Nelson on the North Side, directed and produced by Toronto filmmaker Daniel D'or, will be screened June 6 at the Greg Frewin Theatre. While many fans know Prince through his music, D'or says the film focuses on a deeper story - one centered around the people who influenced Prince and the countless lives Prince influenced in return.
One of the documentary's central themes focuses on The Way, a Minneapolis community centre led by mentor Spike Moss. D'or says the facility helped guide young Black youth, including Prince, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis and others, providing education, support, and a sense of identity.
The documentary has already earned international attention, including a Best Documentary award at the Cannes World Film Festival. Now, Niagara audiences will be among the first Canadians to see the film, which D'or says reveals stories even many lifelong Prince fans have never heard before.
D'or explains how interviewing Prince fans changed his understanding of the artist and shares a powerful story about Prince's impact on a young fan's life.
D'or admits he wasn't a die-hard Prince fan when he first signed on to the project. However, after speaking with fans, former bandmates, and members of Prince's Minneapolis community, he quickly realized the artist's impact stretched far beyond chart-topping hits. He says many people shared stories of how Prince's messages of love, acceptance, and self-confidence helped shape their lives.
Tickets for the premiere can be purchased here.
(Written by: Matt Latour)