Nick Knight directs Kanye West IMAX documentary Jesus is King

Nick Knight has directed the imminent Kanye West documentary Jesus is King, out exclusively in IMAX this Friday 25 October. It is being released in tandem with West’s new album of the same name, also out Friday, which he announced this morning on Twitter.

A trailer for the film shows Knight, the photographer, director and founder of ShowStudio, behind the camera with West, filming a gospel choir on location at installation artist James Turrell’s Roden Crater in Arizona, in summer 2019. West has previously expressed a dedication to Turrell’s immersive works, reportedly donating $10 million to the development of the Roden Crater project after visiting it with Turrell in December 2018, and interviewing the artist in another short documentary directed by Nico Ballesteros. He also once said on Twitter that: “We all will live in Turrell spaces.” Turrell also features in the trailer for Jesus is King.

The Jesus is King film gives us an insight into West’s religion and brings to life his renowned weekly Sunday Service events, with the trailer featuring the musician stating, “We’re here to spread the gospel, I’m not here for your entertainment” and “I use art to make believers.” It features songs arranged by West in the gospel tradition, along with new music from his forthcoming album.

It represents a continued collaboration between the two artists, after Knight directed West’s 2013 music video for Blkkk Skkkn Head, which used 3D scanning and motion capture technologies.

Jesus is King is out 25 October 2019.