Direction: Dick Fontaine

Direction Dick Fontaine · Pat Hartley

Cast Art Blakey · Dizzy Gillespie · Roy Haynes · Wynton Marsalis

Synopsis Art Blakey: The Jazz Messenger (1988) offers an intimate look into the life and influence of the legendary jazz drummer and mentor, Art Blakey. The documentary features appearances by jazz icon Dizzy Gillespie and showcases the talents of numerous students,...

Direction Dick Fontaine

Cast Easy A.D. · Muhammad Ali · Almighty K.G. · Arthur Baker

Synopsis Beat This! A Hip Hop History (TV) (1984) is a 1984 BBC documentary that delves into the vibrant world of hip-hop culture, helmed by director Dick Fontaine. The film features notable figures such as Afrika Bambaataa, DJ Kool Herc, and...

Direction Dick Fontaine

Cast Sonny Rollins · Ornette Coleman · Roy Haynes · Jim Hall

Synopsis Sonny Rollins: Beyond the Notes (2012) delves into the extraordinary life and career of legendary saxophonist Sonny Rollins, beginning with his departure from high school in 1948 to record his debut album. The documentary explores his meteoric rise to fame...

Direction Dick Fontaine

Cast John Cage · Rahsaan Roland Kirk

Synopsis Sound?? (S) (1966) embarks on a lyrical expedition, transitioning from the bustling environment of a zoo to the resonant confines of an echoic chamber. This documentary delves into the boundaries of music, featuring the innovative talents of Rahsaan Roland Kirk...

Direction Dick Fontaine

Synopsis New all the time (S) (1994) delves into the life and work of Betty Carter, renowned as one of the most influential and dynamic figures in the jazz world. Following the passing of Art Blakey, Carter takes on the role...

Direction Dick Fontaine

Cast David Bradley · Dick Fontaine · Amanda Lear · Norman Mailer

Direction Dick Fontaine

Synopsis Who Is Sonny Rollins? (S) (1968) is a rare and invaluable historical record, a 30-minute BBC documentary from 1968 that accompanies the iconic jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins during his voluntary break from the music industry and live performances. At this...

Direction Dick Fontaine

Synopsis Who’s Crazy, Ornette Coleman (1966) delves into the realm of artistic liberation, following three avant-garde musicians as they collaborate under the guidance of the legendary Ornette Coleman. The documentary captures their creative process while they compose music for a groundbreaking...

Direction Dick Fontaine

Cast James Baldwin · David Baldwin · Amiri Baraka · Chinua Achebe

Synopsis I Heard It through the Grapevine (1982) follows renowned author and activist James Baldwin as he revisits pivotal sites of the civil rights struggle in the American South. With his signature insight and charm, Baldwin explores how historical injustices persist...