Magnolia Pictures Buys ‘The World According to Allee Willis,’ Documentary About Writer Behind ‘Friends’ Theme Song and ‘September’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Magnolia Pictures has acquired North American rights to “The World According to Allee Wilis,” a new documentary about the musical powerhouse best known for writing the “Friends” theme song and Earth Wind & Fire’s “September.”

The film, which is directed by Alexis Spraic, had its world premiere at SXSW and has been hitting the festival circuit. It most recently screened at the Provincetown Film Festival, and will next be showcased at Frameline. 

The documentary features interviews with musicians, artists and power players such as Mark Cuban, Cyndi Lauper, Lily Tomlin, Paul Reubens, Michael Patrick King, Patti LaBelle, Pet Shop Boys, Pamela Adlon, Paul Feig and Mark Mothersbaugh (Mothersbaugh also composed the music for the film). 

The filmmakers say that Willis, who always dressed in “a cacophony of prints and colors” and boasted a “signature asymmetrical haircut,” had a public persona that was brashly confident. However, privately, Willis struggled with not fitting established gender and sexual norms. She buried herself in her work, writing hit songs for the likes of Dusty Springfield and Cyndi Lauper and co-writing the Broadway musical “The Color Purple,” but it took finding true love to help her discover self-acceptance. Willis, who died in 2019,  began filming her life in 1950s Detroit and never stopped. This film is the realization of her wish that her “final art piece be someone putting together the trail I have left behind.” 

“Allee Willis was a true visionary across many disciplines and Alexis Spraic’s film is a beautiful celebration of her multi-faceted life,” said Magnolia Pictures co-CEOs Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley. 

“We’re thrilled to partner with Magnolia to bring Allee’s larger-than-life story to the big screen,” said Spraic. “Allee’s influence in music, art and as an oracle of technology is undeniable but, until now, was largely played behind the scenes. As one of America’s most impactful artists I’m excited for a new audience to discover Allee and the joyful, vibrant world she created.” 

“The World According to Allee Willis” is a Blackburn Pictures Film in association with Primary Wave. The film is produced by Nicholas Coles. Executive producers are Cuban, Larry Mestel, Prudence Fenton, Tina Fasbender, Lisa Wolofsky, Susan Danziger and Justin Shukat. 

The deal was negotiated by Magnolia SVP of acquisitions John Von Thaden, and CAA Media Finance on behalf of the filmmakers.