Ron Howard to Direct Film of Jay-Z's “Made in America” Festival

Director will film two day music fest through Jay-Z's perspective.

Upset you can't make it to Jay-Z's "Made in America" music festival happening in Philadelphia this Labor Day weekend? You'll have to be patient, but take heart: Ron Howard will be capturing the event for a film set to be released in 2013.

In a partnership with event sponsor Anheuser-Busch, Howard ("Apollo 13," "The Da Vinci Code") will direct the film and Brian Grazer ("J. Edgar," "Friday Night Lights"), Steve Stoute ("8 Mile") and Jay-Z will produce, according to a statement.

Taking place September 1 and 2 at Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, Pa. the festival will feature a line-up of artists including Pearl Jam, Janelle Monae, Run DMC, Calvin Harris, The Hives, Skrillex, Rick Ross and organizer Jay-Z. It will be the first time Run DMC will perform together since their longtime DJ, Jam Master Jay, was murdered in 2002.

Rumors of a surprise performance by Jay-Z's wife Beyonce continue to circulate as the event draws near. About 50,000 people are expected to attend each day of the festival.

Howard says in the statement that the movie "will not be a concert film." Instead it will be a "reflection of the of the fabric of what it means to be "Made In America" – what the festival represents, why Jay is doing it and how he relates to each artist.”

“The film is going to be born through Jay-Z’s perspective, how he puts the event together and creates this musical event that defies all genres," Grazer added. "We will home in on the meaning of the festival and how Jay-Z has become a voice and icon for this generation."

Check NBCPhiladelphia.com for more "Made in America" information and news updates.

Contact Us