Darlene Love Documentary Debuts at TIFF

Overview

• The documentary had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Monday and is now seeking commercial distribution.
• Director Barry Avrich assembled archival footage, newly recorded studio performances and interviews to place Love at the center of the film’s story.
• The movie documents Love’s early work with producer Phil Spector, saying he changed her name, put her voice on hits such as “He’s a Rebel” while crediting other acts, and paid her a modest sum for those sessions.
• Darlene Love called the film a validating moment, saying “It’s my turn,” and Taraji P. Henson served as an executive producer and urged broader recognition of Love’s contributions.
• The film builds on renewed attention from the 2013 documentary 20 Feet From Stardom and could raise Love’s public recognition, awards visibility and chances of restoring historical credit for her recordings.