Moviemaker Spike Lee launched his new Michael Jackson documentary at the Venice Film Festival in Italy on Friday - on the 25th anniversary of the release of the King of Pop's "Bad".

Wearing a "Bad" T-shirt and cap, the director told reporters his new film is "a love letter to Michael."

At a press conference launching the film, Lee said he grew up wanting to be Michael Jackson - but wasn't talented enough.

He joked, "I had the afro (hairstyle), the look... That's where it stopped."

Lee plans to show his homage to all things Jackson to the late superstar's three kids before an edited version of the film airs on TV in the U.S. in November.

The filmmaker, who shot two Jackson promos, was allowed access to Jackson family home video footage and unseen rehearsal footage.