Lil Nas X’s feature documentary has been acquired by Universal Pictures Content Group for international distribution.
“Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero” is a fly-on-the-wall feature helmed by Oscar-nominated director Carlos López Estrada (“Billie Eilish: When the Party’s Over”) and filmmaker Zac Manuel. It follows the Grammy-winning artist as he embarks on his first world tour.
It is set to be released internationally on digital platforms May 20.
“The diaristic film is a remarkably intimate portrait of a musician navigating identity, family, expectations and acceptance, all while reflecting on his place within the legacy of Black, queer performers,” reads the logline. “Shot over the course of 60 days with unparalleled access, the film follows Montero Hill, aka Lil Nas X, on an emotional odyssey through the creation and performance of the critically acclaimed ‘Long Live Montero’ show.”
Variety called the documentary a “rambunctious and at times exhilarating backstage concert movie,” adding that “’Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero’ channels the grandeur of what it means to put your dreams out there, for everyone to see.”
Lil Nas X first rose to prominence in 2019 with “Old Town Road.” It stayed at No. 1 for 19 weeks, breaking records in the process. He followed that up with his hit album “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” in 2021, which boasted tracks including “Industry Baby.”
“We were struck by the humanity of an artist who, while inspiring so many to accept their queer identities, is still learning to fully embrace his own,” Estrada and Manuel said in a statement. “A lot of people think Montero has it all figured out, but behind the spectacle is a person searching for the same things as so many of his fans. He’s searching for acceptance from his family and the confidence to be the person he wants to be — to embrace his queer identity in all ways feminine, masculine and everything outside of binary definitions. Yet, there he is every night, onstage, giving himself fully to thousands. This bravery is his gift to the world, and what makes Montero Lamar Hill, Lil Nas X.”
Helen Parker, EVP at Universal Pictures Content Group, added: “We instantly fell in love with Lil Nas X and his honest and entertaining film. Telling captivating and relevant stories is at the heart of all our documentaries, and we knew straightaway that we wanted to bring this to a global audience.”
The film, which premiered at TIFF, was produced by RadicalMedia in association with Sony Music Vision, Columbia Records and Museum & Crane.
Dave Sirulnick served as as producer alongside Caryn Capotosto for Museum & Crane, Saul Levitz for Sony Music, Adam Leber and Adriana Arce for Rebel, Gee Roberson for BPG/Maverick and Hoda Musa. Meredith Bennett, Jon Kamen and Frank Scherma executive produced for RadicalMedia. Tom Mackay and Krista Wegener executive produced for Sony Music Vision.
Check out a trailer for “Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero” below: