The world was stunned by the recent passing of famed author Toni Morrison. To honor the life and memory of one of America’s greatest novelists, the documentary Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am will return to select theaters this Friday in Los Angeles at the Laemmle Music Hall.

From Magnolia Pictures and directed by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am offers a meditative look at the life of the acclaimed novelist. The documentary chronicles Morrison’s upbringing in the steel town of Lorain, Ohio to ‘70s-era book tours with boxing legend Muhammad Ali. 

The documentary also hones in on Morrison’s inspiration to become a novelist. Inspired to write because no one took a “little Black girl” seriously, Morrison reflects on the touchstone moments of her prolific writing career. Among some of Morrison’s most acclaimed novels include Sula, The Bluest Eye and Beloved, which was adapted into a feature film in 1998 starring Oprah Winfrey and Kimberly Elise. 

“I’ve been privileged to know Toni Morrison for nearly 40 years. During that time, she won many awards and accolades — the Nobel, a Pulitzer, the Presidential Medal of Freedom…But for me, Toni has been a treasured collaborator, a monumental inspiration and, most importantly, a cherished friend,” Sanders said. “We will all miss her, but the gifts she left us — her written works that have transformed so many lives around the world — live on…to educate, empower and nourish us. For this and all she shared with us, I say thank you Toni.” 

Morrison died in New York City, on August 5 at the age 0f 88 from complications of pneumonia.

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‘Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am’ Presents A Personal Perspective Of A Miraculous Life

 

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