The Ballad of John Forté

Combining exclusive archival footage, transportive environments shot on a virtual production stage, and intimate vérité shoots, The Ballad of John Forté is an emotional journey through time. It’s a story of reinvention and redemption, of the effects of incarceration, and of beginning again.

We began this film together in 2024—John wanted to tell his story in his own words, for his children. On the morning of January 12, 2026, John Forté died, suddenly and unexpectedly at only 50 years old. He left a creative legacy that touched some of the biggest names in music and politics, from The Fugees to George W. Bush. We finish this film for John’s children, and for all who will be impacted by his remarkable life and music. An astonishing network of friends, family and collaborators are coming together to help fill in the blanks, and share John’s story with the world.