The life of soul legend Aretha Franklin has been explored in a new documentary called Amazing Grace, but the singer is none too pleased with the film. As such, she's successfully blocked it from screening at this year's Toronto International Film Festival.
Franklin has been battling to block distribution of the film, claiming she did not give permission for its release. As such, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that it will not be screening at this year's TIFF.
A representative for the film festival offered the following statement to THR:
We are extremely disappointed that Toronto audiences will not be able to see this extraordinary piece of art. The footage in the film is truly a cinematic treasure of twentieth century music and we hope global audiences will have opportunity to experience this film once a resolution is found.
In a statement, Franklin herself said, "Justice, respect and what is right prevailed and one's right to own their own self-image."
Her lawyer Fred Fresard also spoke to THR, saying, "Aretha Franklin has spent over 50 years developing her art.... Congress passed laws to protect artists like her. The producers needed to get her permission. So we think this was the right decision and we are very happy with the result."
Franklin has been battling to block distribution of the film, claiming she did not give permission for its release. As such, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that it will not be screening at this year's TIFF.
A representative for the film festival offered the following statement to THR:
We are extremely disappointed that Toronto audiences will not be able to see this extraordinary piece of art. The footage in the film is truly a cinematic treasure of twentieth century music and we hope global audiences will have opportunity to experience this film once a resolution is found.
In a statement, Franklin herself said, "Justice, respect and what is right prevailed and one's right to own their own self-image."
Her lawyer Fred Fresard also spoke to THR, saying, "Aretha Franklin has spent over 50 years developing her art.... Congress passed laws to protect artists like her. The producers needed to get her permission. So we think this was the right decision and we are very happy with the result."
