Spike Lee is to turn documentarian for his next venture behind the camera. Lee is to direct Fusion, a music picture being billed as the director's answer to Buena Vista Social Club.

The picture, which will go before the cameras in late May and early June, is a highly polished coverage of the preparations for and delivery of three concerts, being put on in aid of children from Brazil's notorious favellas (slums).

The film was unveiled for buyers at this week Hong Hong Entertainment Expo and is produced by Fernando Sulichin and Alvaro Longoria. The pair previously produced Wild Bunch's Looking For Fidel documentary while Sulichin is also producing Wild Bunch's Mary to be directed by Abel Ferrara.

Fusion will feature appearances by flamenco superstar Joaquin Cortes and musicians Caetano Veloso and Bebel Gilberto, with choreography by City Of God co-director Katia Lund.

Lee has often put music near the centre of his films and has directed numerous music videos and in 1990 directed the jazz biopic Mo Better Blues.

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