“Piece by Piece” — Pharrell’s Masterpiece at TIFF 2024
It is the evening of September 16th, 2024, and I’m reflecting on a year of change, growth, and newfound inspiration. This date holds deep significance for me — it marks one year since I celebrated my mother’s life and legacy with family and friends. But today, I see things differently, thanks in part to Pharrell’s new film which I had the privilege of seeing exclusively thanks to SoundCheck on September 11th at the TIFF World Premiere. Even tonight as I type this on my laptop, I am positively reminded of my experience of PIECE by PIECE at TIFF Lightbox.
That event was memorable for many reasons — not just because it was the first time I attended TIFF, but also because I got to experience it with my wife, and we met a lovely lady named Lena. The screening took place on a day of remembrance, which only added to the weight and impact of the moment. Growing up in Toronto, I’ve always loved film, but I never saw myself as part of that world. That all changed after watching “Piece by Piece”. Pharrell didn’t just create a biopic; he built something that’s a testament to creativity and resilience, and it made me reconsider my own possibilities.
Pharrell did his thing with this movie. It was brilliant — “Piece by Piece” didn’t just tell his story; it painted a world where limitations didn’t exist. Through his use of LEGO as the medium for animation, Pharrell showed that storytelling is limitless. He built his life, block by block, piece by piece, and the beauty of that metaphor wasn’t lost on me. Watching young Pharrell struggle to handle the pressures of life while being there for his loved ones resonated deeply.
For me, this film came at the perfect time. I’ve always loved piecing things together — whether it’s in design, problem-solving, or figuring out life. Seeing Pharrell do the same, using something as simple yet profound as LEGO, was inspiring. It was hands down one of the best animated films I’ve ever watched, and my wife, who joined me at the screening, felt the same.
But what hit even harder was the message for young people like me — those of us trying to push beyond the status quo, to do more, and be more. Pharrell’s film was a call to action for all of us trailblazers, first founders, and pioneers of progress. It showed that we don’t have to follow the path that’s been laid out for us. We can create something entirely new, piece by piece. And that’s such a beautiful thing to be a part of and take solace in.
“Piece by Piece” really came through for me, especially as I navigate my own challenges. It reminded me that life, just like this film, is about assembling the pieces, no matter how scattered they might seem. Pharrell’s creativity is limitless, and his story of balancing ambition, creativity, and the demands of family spoke to my own experience. His brilliance in using LEGO to tell this story made me reflect on how I’ve been piecing things together in my own life, especially since losing my mother.
So, here I am, on September 16th, exactly one year since honoring my mother’s legacy, and I feel more inspired than ever. Watching “Piece by Piece” wasn’t just about seeing a movie; it was about witnessing someone else’s journey and seeing the reflection of my own. Pharrell has inspired me, and I hope he’ll inspire the next generation of youth to go beyond the status quo, to create, to innovate, and to build — piece by piece — something meaningful.
Maybe this is the start of a filmmaking journey I never expected, but it’s one that feels like a natural extension of everything I’ve already been doing. Life is full of moments that bring us clarity, and “Piece by Piece” was one of those for me.
