ReMastered: The Lion's Share

"ReMastered: The Lion's Share" is a provocative and emotionally charged documentary film that was released in 2018. Directed by Sam Cullman, the film dives deep into the complicated world of music copyright and publishing, examining the financials of the music industry through the lens of one quite famous song, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”.

Using the song as a focal point, the movie takes viewers on a tumultuous journey of simulated royalties, legal disputes, and the persistent struggle for justice by those who are often unheard. In the process, it lays bare the harsh realities and exploitation prevalent within the creative sphere, particularly for artists hailing from underprivileged backgrounds.

The film masterfully weaves a story around the song, which is widely recognized for its use in Disney's animated film "The Lion King". Although the song gained immense popularity worldwide, the film reveals that its original composer, Solomon Linda, a South African Zulu musician, barely reaped any financial rewards. Throughout the film, the narrative follows the company that claimed the song's rights and the dark corners of its dealings, while simultaneously sketching a heartbreaking portrait of Linda’s life in poverty. Despite the song's success on the global stage, Linda's descendants lived in extreme destitution, a stark contrast to the massive oodles of royalties garnered by the song’s unauthorized publishers.

The film features narration and interviews by the journalist Rian Malan, who originally broke the story about the song’s copyright scandal. Driving the storyline with his passion for righting a historical wrong, Malan’s unwavering commitment to the cause fuels the movie’s pace. However, it's the appearances of Solomon Linda's daughters—Delphi Linda and her siblings—that truly highlight the emotional resonance of the film. Their poignant recollections and personal perspectives add depth to their father’s tale, reminding viewers of the real faces and lives impacted by the insidious labyrinth of musical copyright infringement.

Interviews with music industry experts and copyright professionals also feature prominently, helping to illuminate the complexities of music copyright laws. By juxtaposing these interviews with on-the-ground experiences of Solomon Linda's family and other South African musicians, the film delivers a comprehensive and intricate critique of systemic exploitation inherent in music copyright mechanism. The documentary's in-depth exploration of the music industry's shadowy side provides viewers with an understanding of the financial challenges faced by artists, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds.

"ReMastered: The Lion's Share" is part of a series of music documentaries by Netflix, which aims to shed light on the lesser-known stories of the music industry. This film, in particular, emerges as a beacon of truth, calling attention to long-standing injustices that have often been overlooked or historically buried.

Visually, the film presents a myriad of imagery; from the atmospheric shots of South Africa’s landscapes, to the snippets of life in vibrant Johannesburg, to the evocative visuals from Disney's "The Lion King". These cinematic storytelling tools add a riveting aesthetic layer that enhances the narrative's emotional impact.

The film skillfully combines heartbreaking reality with an investigative spirit, resulting in a documentary that is as enlightening as it is affecting. It illustrates the harsh reality faced by many artists who, despite contributing significantly to the global cultural landscaped, have been denied their share of fortune.

Bolstered by commanding narrative voices, powerful interviews, and evocative cinematography, "ReMastered: The Lion's Share" is not merely a behind-the-scenes scrutiny of a famous song or a heartbreaking tale of exploitation. The film poses larger questions about the nature of the music industry, the dynamics of power within it, and the value and price of true artistry. It serves as an eye-opening film highlighting the need for reforming copyright laws, advocating for greater transparency, and ensuring fair treatment of all artists across the world.

In conclusion, "ReMastered: The Lion's Share" is a movie that goes beyond entertainment. It holds a persistent spotlight on the significance of copyright, points out the dire need for its reform, and emphasizes that the industry needs to do more to ensure every artist gets their fair share. It is a must-watch for music lovers, creators, and anyone drawn to thought-provoking narratives.