Magnolia Pictures announced today they have acquired US rights to Academy Award-winner Kevin Macdonald's long-in-development Bob Marley documentary Marley, described as the definitive documentary about legendary musician, from his earliest days, to his rise to international superstardom.

It's a project we've been following for years now, after having being worked on by at least 3 directors – Martin Scorsese, Jonathan Demme, and MacDonald) – and will make its world premiere at the Berlinale this month, as one of five films selected for the Berlinale Special, which also includes a four-part documentary series Death Row by Werner Herzog.

It will then screen at the SXSW Film Festival next month, its North American premiere – a festival that Vanessa and I will be covering for S&A, so expect a review of it from one of us.

Marley is executive produced by Bob Marley's son Ziggy Marley and Island Records founder Chris Blackwell.

Magnolia will then open in theaters on Friday, April 20th, launching day and date with all VOD and digital platforms.

VH1 has come onboard to license the first TV Window of the film as part of their Emmy-Award winning VH1 Rock Doc franchise and will work with Magnolia and the filmmakers to promote the film.

Made with the unprecedented support of the Marley family, the film features rare footage, archival photos, and incredible performances and interviews with his family, friends, and bandmates – the people that knew him best.

"This documentary is the ultimate revelation of my father’s life… The family is proud to be able to have the world finally experience this emotional journey," said Ziggy Marley in a statement.

Looking forward to finally seeing it on screen.