Oscar Peterson Doc Headed For TIFF, Cineplex, Crave TV

By FYI Staff

The Bell Media-commissioned Oscar Peterson documentary directed by Barry Avrich will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Oscar Peterson: Black + White is billed as a “docu-concert,” featuring concert footage and interviews with along list of family members and musicians that include Billy Joel, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock and Ramsey Lewis.

The feature-length film will have its debut on Sept. 12 as part of the TIFF Docs lineup, followed by a limited theatrical release by Cineplex and appear on Bell-owned Crave TV subscription service at an as yet unspecified date.

The film is the product of Avrich’s production house Melbar Entertainment Group, produced by Avrich and Mark Selby with executive producers Avrich, Jeffrey Latimer and Randy Lennox. Peterson’s widow, Kelly Peterson, is also named as a consulting producer.

And here’s Oscar from 1979 on the Dick Cavett Show.