Moonage Daydream – the first David Bowie film to be officially sanctioned by his estate – has been acquired for international distribution by Universal Pictures Content Group, and U.S. distribution by Neon.

The film was written, directed, edited and produced by Brett Morgen, who also helmed the acclaimed 2015 documentary film about Kurt Cobain, Montage of Heck.

Neon have described Moonage Daydream as "a cinematic odyssey exploring David Bowie's creative and music journey."

They also state that it was five years in the making, and features "never-before-seen footage" – noting that it will be in cinemas in the U.S. this Autumn.

While no official Irish release date has been announced, Variety have reported that sources say the film "is likely to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival next month."

They go on to note that Morgen was given "unfiltered access to Bowie's personal archives and ... unearthed hundreds of hours of never-before seen 35mm and 16mm footage, and was able to assemble the performances from these original camera masters. Accordingly, all of the performances presented in the film will appear for the first time."

Moonage Daydream's music team includes Bowie’s long-time collaborator and producer Tony Visconti.

The film's title is a reference to Bowie's song of the same name, which featured on his 1972 album, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.

MOONAGE DAYDREAM: a cinematic odyssey exploring David Bowie’s creative and musical journey.

From visionary filmmaker Brett Morgen and sanctioned by the Bowie estate.

Five years in the making and featuring never-before-seen footage, experience it in theaters and IMAX this Fall. pic.twitter.com/NOaCSmhf4b

— NEON (@neonrated) April 13, 2022

Revisit our classic interview with David Bowie here.