Mac Miller’s ‘Balloonerism’ Album and Film Set for Global Release

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The estate of late rapper Mac Miller announced the release of a new short film accompanying his posthumous album, “Balloonerism,” set to premiere in select theaters on Jan. 15. The animated film, inspired by the unreleased album, will debut in Miller’s hometown of Pittsburgh, as well as New York City, before expanding to international screenings on Jan. 16.

Directed by Samuel Jerome Mason, the film follows a group of school friends who are “transfigured by the music of a chord organ and launched into a shadow world.” According to a synopsis, the characters are “swallowed by the turtle of time” and must navigate the challenges of adulthood. The film will also screen in Toronto, London, Paris, Melbourne, Berlin, Sydney, Dublin, and Auckland.

All proceeds from ticket sales, priced at $5, will benefit the Mac Miller Fund, which supports arts education and youth programs. Attendees will receive limited-edition “Balloonerism” merchandise as part of the event.

The album, set for release on Jan. 17, showcases Miller’s “musical talents and fearlessness as an artist,” according to his estate. The project, which Miller worked on extensively in 2013 and 2014, was a priority for the rapper, who commissioned artwork and regularly discussed its release. However, other projects, including his acclaimed mixtape “Faces,” took precedence at the time.

Last week, Miller’s estate released a previously leaked track featuring Thundercat, Ronald Bruner Jr., and Kintaro. The album also includes collaborations with SZA and Miller’s alter ego, Delusional Thomas.

“It is a project that was of great importance to Malcolm — to the extent that he commissioned artwork for it and discussions concerning when it should be released were had regularly,” the estate said in a statement. “Though ultimately, subsequent albums ended up taking precedence.”

The film and album release mark a significant moment for fans of Miller, who died in 2018 at the age of 26. The project offers a glimpse into the artist’s creative process and his enduring influence on the music industry.