A new documentary is set to be released about the relationship between John Lennon and New York.
Born in Liverpool, John Lennon seemed to know from an early age that he was due to leave the city. Taking The Beatles to Hamburg, the singer was later able to solidify his love affair with the United States.
Moving to New York in 1971, the singer battled with authorities to gain his visa. Under suspicion due to his links with radical left groups, John Lennon was able to live in New York for nine years.
Raising a family, his peaceful life at the Dakota building was brought to an end by Mark Chapman in 1980. Now John Lennon's love affair with New York is set to be documented in a new film.
'LENNONYC' was completed earlier this year, and focusses on the former Beatle's life between 1971 and 1980. The film premiered last weekend at the New York Film Festival, and contains unheard interviews with the singer.
Speaking at the documentary screening, director Michael Esptein explained that John Lennon's life needs to be seen within the wider history of immigration into New York.
"John's is an immigrant story," he said. "We don't share a common past. What we share is a common vision for the future, at our best. It's in that quiet, domestic place where he builds his own family that he finds his redemption."
The film comes as fans gear up to celebrate what would have been John Lennon's 70th birthday. 'LENNONYC' will be shown on American PBS network on November 22nd, and will also be shown in New York's Central Park.
Just yards from his former home, the screening will take place on October 9th - what would have been the former Beatle's birthday.
