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SPECIAL LIVE PERFORMANCE BY PORTLAND-VIA PHILLY POET LITTLE BLUE TO PROCEED FILM SCREENING
* Sundance - Grand Jury Prize Best Documentary *
* Frameline - Jury Prize, Outstanding Documentary Feature *
* Blackstar Film Festival, Audience Award, Best Documentary Feature *
* Freep Film Festival, Best of Festival *
Delving into the intricate tapestry of American history — from the fervor of the Civil Rights and Black Arts movements to the impassioned cries of today's Black Lives Matter campaigns — this documentary, honored with the Sundance Grand Prize, meticulously unravels the life and legacy of the esteemed poet Nikki Giovanni. Directors Michèle Stephenson and Joe Brewster artfully interweave archival footage with contemporary scenes, crafting a rich and unfiltered depiction of Giovanni. Their portrayal captures her essence: audacious, intrepid, and resolutely true to herself. The film's innovative storytelling approach not only pays homage to Giovanni's indomitable spirit but also breaks conventional biographical boundaries.
Like Giovanni, this documentary stands out in its daring and audacious depiction, offering audiences a profound glimpse into the journey of a trailblazing artist who has forever marked the landscape of American literature and activism.
CLOSING NIGHT IS KINDLY SPONSORED BY NORM KALBFLEISCH & NEIL MATTEUCCI.
Content warnings: discussion of racial violence, depiction of racial violence, other historical footage of racism and violence
Year: 2023
Length: 102 minutes
Language: English
Country: USA
OREGON PREMIERE
Director, Producer: Michèle Stephenson & Joe Brewster
COMMUNITY PARTNER: RACE TALKS