Documentary Featuring Aretha Franklin Live Performance To Debut

Aretha Franklin (JStone / Shutterstock.com)

The documentary AMAZING GRACE featuring ARETHA FRANKLIN debuts tonight (11/12) at the 2018 DOC NYC film festival.  FRANKLIN performed in 1972 at NEW TEMPLE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH in LOS ANGELES, but the footage was never shown due to technical difficulties.

This new documentary with FRANKLIN’s performance will be shown this evening at 6:45p and 9p (ET) at the SVA THEATRE on 333 West 23rd Street in NEW YORK.

At the time of the live performance, WARNER BROS. PICTURES had planned to use the footage as a companion documentary to the double live album “Amazing Grace.”  The LP went on to become one of the biggest selling albums of ARETHA FRANKLIN’s career and the best-selling Gospel album of all time.
 
Producer ALAN ELLIOTT acquired the film rights in 2007 and worked with a team of producers to do a feature-length documentary. The films release has the support and blessing of the ARETHA FRANKLIN Estate.

ELLIOTT said, “I am thrilled to work with SABRINA OWENS and the family to do right by ARETHA’s legacy.  Being able to share this film and the musical genius of ARETHA FRANKLIN with her family and the world is an honor.  ARETHA’s fans will be enthralled by every moment of the film as her genius, her devotion to GOD and her spirit are present in every frame.”  
 
FRANKLIN’s niece SABRINA OWENS added, “AMAZING GRACE is the heart and soul of ARETHA FRANKLIN.  This film is authentic and is my aunt at her core.  She was a daughter of the church, she loved Gospel music, and she always incorporated some form of sacred music in her concerts.”

Co-Producer TIRRELL D. WHITTLEY, commented, bringing this film to audiences is a great joy and privilege for me.  AMAZING GRACE is a unique film that lifts the spirit and soul with the joy of Gospel music.  It’s a pure experience, showcasing ARETHA FRANKLIN in her element doing what she does best and being the Queen.”  
 
DOC NYC Artistic Dir. THOM POWERS said, “AMAZING GRACE has been a lost treasure of documentary filmmaking for over four decades.  I can’t think of a bigger honor for a festival than to premiere this film." 

The film features FRANKLIN’s Gospel hits, performed in front of an audience that included her father, the Reverend C.L. FRANKLIN, Gospel artists CLARA WARD and MOTHER WARD of the WARD FAMILY SINGERS, and MICK JAGGER and CHARLIE WATTS of THE ROLLING STONES.  

For information check here.

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