The greater story around the 1980s German-French R&B, dance-pop duo Milli Vanilli will be revealed in an upcoming eponymous documentary, which will premiere at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival in June before streaming on Paramount+ during the fall of 2023.
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Milli Vanilli follows the story of Fabrice Morvan and the late Robert Pilatus (1965-1998) who became friends in Germany and later broke out with their 1988 debut album, All or Nothing, and hit “Girl You Know It’s True.” Their debut went platinum six times in 1989, and “Girl You Know It’s True” sold more than 30 million singles worldwide, making Morvan and Pilatus one of the biggest pop acts in the world by 1990.
“Girl You Know It’s True” also became the title track of their follow-up album and subsequent No. 1s “Blame It On The Rain,” written by Diane Warren, “Girl I’m Gonna Miss You,” and “Baby Don’t Forget My Number.”
Shortly after their success, Morvan and Pilatus were forced to return their 1990 Grammy Award for Best New Artist after it was revealed that they did not sing on any of their albums, while under the tutelage of German producer Frank Farian.
Produced by MRC and MTV Entertainment Studios and directed by Luke Korem, Milli Vanilli tells the story of the duo’s earlier years with Morvan leaving an abusive household and Pilatus also coming from a broken home. Both shared similar upbringings as well as an identical dream to make it in music.
“For over 30 years, the story of Milli Vanilli, in particular Rob and Fab, has been reduced to sensational headlines,” said Korem in a statement. “With this documentary, we pull back the curtain on pop music. Featuring interviews with the real singers, record executives, the producer mastermind behind the deception, and exclusive interviews with Rob and Fab, we unveil the truth of this complex, exciting, and dramatic story. I’m thrilled that Paramount+ shares our vision and will bring this film to audiences around the world.”
After the scandal, the duo attempted several comebacks in their career throughout the 1990s before Pilatus’ death in 1998 from an overdose at the age of 32.
The film also features archived footage of Pilatus, along with interviews with Morvan, Timbaland, Diane Warren, and Pilatus’ sister Carmen, among others.
“Finally, the true story of Milli Vanilli has been told,” said Morvan. “I’m thankful Luke Korem and his team went to the lengths that they did. The journey I returned to during the filming of this documentary didn’t leave any stone unturned. At last, I can close this chapter in peace. Get ready to take a walk in our steel-toe boots.”
Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images
