Documentary
United States of America
Like a Rolling Stone: The Life & Times of Ben Fong-Torres is a feature-length documentary film directed by Suzanne Joe Kai that chronicles the life and career of Ben Fong-Torres, a journalist, writer, and editor who made a significant impact on the cultural landscape of the 1960s and 1970s.
The film provides an intimate portrait of Fong-Torres, who is best known for his contributions to Rolling Stone magazine, where he served as a music editor and senior writer for more than a decade. Fong-Torres was also a regular contributor to other publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle and Esquire.
Throughout the documentary, Kai weaves together archival footage and interviews with Fong-Torres, his family, and colleagues, including Cameron Crowe, who got his start as a music journalist under Fong-Torres at Rolling Stone. The film explores Fong-Torres' early years in California, his passion for music and journalism, and his experiences covering some of the biggest icons of the era, including the Grateful Dead and Bob Dylan.
Like a Rolling Stone also delves into Fong-Torres' personal life, including his struggles with identity and family dynamics as the son of Chinese immigrants. The film highlights Fong-Torres' evolution as a writer and editor, and his unwavering commitment to supporting marginalized voices and promoting diversity in journalism.
Overall, Like a Rolling Stone provides an engaging and insightful look at the life and legacy of Ben Fong-Torres, a pioneering figure in music journalism and beyond.