BOOM FOR REAL The Late Teenage Years of Jean-Michel Basquiat, director Sara Driver’s love letter to New York City’s past through the eyes of people who knew the renowned artist has been acquired by Magnolia for a 2018 theatrical release. The film, which world-premiered at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival to critical acclaim, will next screen at the 55th New York Film Festival, presented by the Film Society of Lincoln Center. .
BOOM FOR REAL The Late Teenage Years of Jean-Michel Basquiat, follows Basquiat’s life pre-fame and how New York City, the times, the people and the movements surrounding him formed the artist he became. Using never before seen works, writings and photographs, Driver worked closely and collaboratively with her friends and other artists who emerged from that scene: Nan Goldin, Jim Jarmusch, James Nares, Fred Brathwaite aka Fab Five Freddy, Lee Quiñones, Luc Sante and many others. Providing their thoughts, period film footage, music, images, and anecdotes of their young friend, they helped visually tell the story of Basquiat’s downtown NYC – pre Aids, President Reagan, the real estate and art boom, and before anyone was motivated by money and ambition. The definition of fame, success and power were very different than today – to be a penniless but published poet was the height of success, until everything changed in the early 1980’s. This is New York City’s story before that change.
“I have always admired Magnolia’s film selections and their attention to their releases over the years,” said Driver. “And now, I am honored and delighted to have our film with such a caring and wonderful company of true cinephiles.”