Producer, composer, Brazilian pioneering keyboardist and vocalist, and Oscar-nominated songwriter Sergio Mendes will be the subject of a new feature documentary directed by Emmy and Grammy-nominated John Scheinfeld 
and the Writers Guild Award. Scheduled for worldwide release in 2018, the documentary will coincide with the release of a companion album by Concord Records, featuring a series of high-profile guests, with several tracks co-produced by will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas.
Adopting a fresh and unique cinematic approach, this portrait of a remarkable artist celebrates the life of a singular musician who remains as vital and relevant today as he was 50 years ago when he burst onto the scene with his group, Brasil ‘66. One of the most internationally successful Brazilian artists of all time, Mendes is a three-time Grammy winner and has recorded over 35 albums, many of which have achieved gold or platinum status. Hits include “Mas que Nada,” “The Look of Love,” “Pretty World,” “Never Gonna Let You Go,” and his unforgettable renditions of “Night and Day,” “Fool on the Hill,” “Scarborough Fair,” and “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” His enormous influence on the music industry endures to this day, as he continues to evolve through new collaborations and media.
“I’m really looking forward to this new adventure,” says Mendes. “It’s a wonderful chance to ‘relive’ my journey, and with John Scheinfeld at the helm, I’m sure it will be a joyful and exciting experience.”
“When I first met Sergio, his warmth, humor, and appreciation for life through all the senses made me feel a strong connection to him, and I want others to feel the same,” says director Scheinfeld. “His life is an exceptional mix of encounters, spontaneity, and serendipity, making him an irresistible subject for a film.”
“The impetus for the documentary and the new companion album was the recent 50th anniversary of the release of Brasil ‘66,” says John Burk, president of Concord Records. “With Brasil ‘66, Sergio played a huge role in popularizing Brazilian music around the world while simultaneously creating his own genre by merging Brazilian music with American pop. He then continued to produce hits, decade after decade, staying current and relevant while remaining true to his unique sound. Sergio has also had an incredible career and has a fascinating story that we would like to tell through these projects.”
By examining the musical innovations and exceptional creativity that brought him to the forefront, the documentary explores how Mendes has consistently managed to reinvent himself and remains a significant world music artist to this day. The film will also highlight the global impact of his music from 1966 to the present, with particular emphasis on his continued popularity in the U.S., Brazil, Japan, and Europe, and how his work has inspired artists like will.i.am, Justin Timberlake, and John Legend.
A significant portion of the film will be shot on location in Brazil, including a visit to Niterói, his hometown, and nearby Rio, featuring an intimate performance in the musical style “Bossa Rio” that brought him prominence as a young musician in Brazil.
With Sergio telling much of his story in his own words, Scheinfeld will paint a rich, fun, and revealing portrait of an extraordinary artist, bringing additional emotion and intimacy to the narrative by incorporating dozens of recordings from all stages of Sergio’s career, as well as rare or never-before-seen film clips, home movies, and photos from the Mendes family album.
Compelling interviews with music superstars inspired by Sergio, as well as family, friends, and colleagues, will contribute unique perspectives on the music, the man, and his ongoing journey, deepening the emotional resonance of the finished film.
Even after 50 years, Sergio Mendes is still looking to the future.