SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK:
RAISE YOUR VOICE

2002 MacArthur Fellow and world-renowned documentary filmmaker Stanley Nelson directs this feature-length film about Sweet Honey In The Rock, the Grammy-Award-winning, African-American female a cappella ensemble with incredible range.

Committed to black musical forms, Sweet Honey uses music to touch on issues of racism, gender politics and inequality--all conveyed with a sense of indomitable optimism. The sextet, whose words are interpreted on stage in American Sign Language, demands a just and humane world for all.

This detailed portrait showcases the group's singular sound as well as its unwavering message of social justice. Presenting themes of self-expression, collaboration in the arts and the history of protest music, the documentary highlights the importance of harmony in sustaining movements for social change. The film is also a historical document of the now-retired Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon's public performance and remarkable work.

A first-person narrative from founder Reagon and in-depth interviews with group members, peer musicians and Sweet Honey's loyal fan base are interwoven throughout the film. Behind-the-scenes, verite footage, combined with full-scale concert footage, gives a broad perspective on the women of Sweet Honey and their incredible commitment to social issues and egalitarianism.

Post-screening discussion moderated by WAMU's Kojo Nnamdi with director Stanley Nelson, Sweet Honey founder Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, current Sweet Honey leader Carol Malliard and the members of Sweet Honey in the Rock.

Amy Dotson

Stanley Nelson, a 2002 MacArthur "genius" Fellow, is Executive Producer of Firelight Media, a not-for-profit documentary production company dedicated to giving voice to people and issues that are marginalized in popular culture. His 2003 film, THE MURDER OF EMMETT TILL, was broadcast nationally on PBS's AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, and Nelson went on to win the Primetime Emmy for Best Directing, nonfiction; the Special Jury Prize at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival; a coveted award from the International Documentary Association; and the highest honor in broadcast journalism, the George Foster Peabody award.

Print Source:
Kristin Lesko, Firelight Media
324 Convent Avenue
New York, NY 10031
Tel: 212.234.1324
Fax: 212.234.6688
Email: kristin@firelightmedia.org

Wednesday 6/15 at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $9

This film also screens on Sunday 6/19 at 3:15 p.m.

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