Festivals - Cannes 2024: Unveiling Jim Henson's Legacy with Ron Howard's Documentary

By Mulder, Cannes, Palais des Festivals, 18 may 2024

On May 18, 2024, the Cannes Film Festival hosted a special photocall for Jim Henson: Idea Man, a new documentary directed by Ron Howard. The event was part of the prestigious Cannes Classics section, celebrating the life and legacy of the iconic puppeteer Jim Henson. Howard, a revered filmmaker, was present to introduce his fifth documentary, adding to his illustrious career that includes titles like Made in America and The Beatles: Eight Days a Week​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Festival de Cannes)​.

Jim Henson: Idea Man delves deep into Henson's life, from his early days as a local TV puppeteer to his monumental contributions with Sesame Street and The Muppet Show. The documentary, which features interviews with family members and close collaborators like Frank Oz, provides a rich, multifaceted look at Henson’s creative genius and his partnership with his wife, Jane Henson. This collaboration was foundational to the success and enduring legacy of Henson’s work​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Festival de Cannes)​.

During an interview, Ron Howard shared his excitement about the project, stating, I was thrilled by the opportunity to make this documentary. Although I knew Jim fairly well, delving into his creative process was an eye-opener. His boundless creativity and the educational and entertaining value of his characters were truly remarkable. Howard emphasized the challenge of capturing Henson's inventive spirit and the collaborative essence of his work with Jane Henson, which was integral to their success​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Festival de Cannes)​.

Jim Henson: Idea Man is set to premiere on Disney+ on May 31, 2024. This documentary promises to offer unprecedented access to Henson’s personal archives, providing fans with an intimate glimpse into the mind of the man who brought beloved characters like Kermit the Frog, Elmo, and Miss Piggy to life​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Festival de Cannes)​., For more detailed information about the film and its Cannes debut, you can visit the Cannes Film Festival official site and Disney+ press release page.

Synopsis : 
Jim Henson is a visionary with a singular world, from his early years as a puppeteer on local television to the worldwide success of Sesame Street, The Muppet Show and more. With access to Jim's personal archives, Ron Howard offers a fascinating and insightful look at a complex and multifaceted creator.

Jim Henson Idea Man
Directed by Ron Howard
Produced by Sara Bernstein, Margaret Bodde, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Mark Monroe, Christopher St. John, Justin Wilkes
Music by David Fleming
Production companies : Walt Disney Pictures, Imagine Documentaries, The Jim Henson Company
Distributed by Disney+
Release dates : May 2024 (Cannes), May 31, 2024 (France, United States)
Running time : 111 minutes