Moonchild: The Life and Music of Yusuf Salim
Synopsis
Moonchild follows jazz pianist, composer, and mentor Yusuf Salim, from his early years playing on Baltimore’s famed Pennsylvania Avenue to his celebrated contributions to the emerging jazz and Black Muslim communities in his adopted hometown in Durham, North Carolina. Salim’s deep faith and embrace of human connection transformed the world around him, even through a lifelong battle with personal demons. During Yusuf’s 60-year musical journey, he inspired and propelled the careers of award-winning musicians and vocalists with his Black Atlantic cool and mastery of the songbook. Guided by his legacy, acclaimed jazz artists reunite in Durham to honor an unsung mentor and perform Salim’s music at historic concerts.
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Release History & Theatrical Window
Sidewalk Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
April 30, 2026
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Kenny Dalsheimer, Rafael Samanez
- Screenplay & Story
- Kenny Dalsheimer, Rafael Samanez
- Original Title
- Moonchild: The Life and Music of Yusuf Salim
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 34m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Kenny Dalsheimer, Rafael Samanez
Kenny Dalsheimer, Rafael Samanez
Rafael Samanez
Kenny Dalsheimer
Department Leadership Roster
Kenny Dalsheimer
Director
Rafael Samanez
Director
Kenny Dalsheimer
Writer
Rafael Samanez
Writer
Kenny Dalsheimer
Producer
Rafael Samanez
Editor
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Moonchild: The Life and Music of Yusuf Salim.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moonchild: The Life and Music of Yusuf Salim
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Moonchild: The Life and Music of Yusuf Salim about?
Moonchild follows jazz pianist, composer, and mentor Yusuf Salim, from his early years playing on Baltimore’s famed Pennsylvania Avenue to his celebrated contributions to the emerging jazz and Black Muslim communities in his adopted hometown in Durham, North Carolina. Salim’s deep faith and embrace of human connection transformed the world around him, even through a lifelong battle with personal demons. During Yusuf’s 60-year musical journey, he inspired and propelled the careers of award-winning musicians and vocalists with his Black Atlantic cool and mastery of the songbook. Guided by his legacy, acclaimed jazz artists reunite in Durham to honor an unsung mentor and perform Salim’s music at historic concerts.
Who directed Moonchild: The Life and Music of Yusuf Salim?
Moonchild: The Life and Music of Yusuf Salim was directed by Kenny Dalsheimer, Rafael Samanez.
Who stars in Moonchild: The Life and Music of Yusuf Salim?
The principal cast of Moonchild: The Life and Music of Yusuf Salim includes Yusuf Salim, Nnenna Freelon, Bus Brown, Eve Cornelius, Elijah Fox-Peck.
When was Moonchild: The Life and Music of Yusuf Salim released and how long is it?
Moonchild: The Life and Music of Yusuf Salim was released in 2026 with a total runtime of 1h 34m.