Rentals
Her Voice
Black women from the spotlight to the screen.
The voice is the first and most versatile instrument. In this season we witness those known for their vocal performances adapting their talents to a different medium, or we see them depicted in illuminating documentary portraits. Across the years there’s an invisible bond of recognition and sisterhood that links the rich legacy of those who went before to those who followed. The artists in this season refused to let anything hold them back, overcoming personal setbacks and systemic barriers to express their vulnerability and joy through song. As performers they used their talent not only to entertain and comment, but also to enrich and transform the entertainment industry and those around them.
Amazing GraceAmazing Grace
Documentary201989 minsDirector: Alan Elliott and Sydney Pollack
Aretha Franklin, at the height of her powers, returns to the music which nurtured her prodigious talent.
WhitneyWhitney
Documentary2018120 minsDirector: Kevin Macdonald
Stunning revelations and captivating reminiscences paint a picture of the extraordinary life of singer Whitney Houston, in this in-depth portrait by acclaimed filmmaker Kevin MacDonald (Touching the Void, Marley).
Whitney: Can I Be MeWhitney: Can I Be Me
Documentary2017101 minsDirector: Nick Broomfield and Rudi Dolezal
Documentary titan Nick Broomfield turns his gaze to the troubled pop star whose sensational voice masked an inner identity crisis.
20 Feet from Stardom20 Feet from Stardom
Documentary201387 minsDirector: Morgan Neville
This moving documentary shines a spotlight on the backing singers behind some of the great musical hits of the 21st century.
BillieBillie
Documentary201998 minsDirector: James Erskine
Part film-noir, part tragedy, this mesmerising documentary uncovers the true life of the legendary Billie Holiday.
Chi-RaqChi-Raq
Musical2015127 minsDirector: Spike Lee
Spike Lee’s bold and vivacious hip-hop musical restages an ancient Greek battle-of-the-sexes in 21st-century Chicago.
Grace Jones: Bloodlight and BamiGrace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami
Documentary2017115 minsDirector: Sophie Fiennes
Grace Jones is laid bare in this intimate and electrifying insight into the fascinating world of a pop-cultural phenomenon.
Matangi/Maya/M.I.A.Matangi/Maya/M.I.A.
Documentary201896 minsDirector: Steve Loveridge
Fascinating delve into the career, personality and politics of award-winning musician M.I.A.
Poly Styrene: I Am A ClichéPoly Styrene: I Am A Cliché
Documentary202196 minsDirector: Paul Sng and Celeste Bell
The death of punk icon and X-Ray Spex frontwoman Poly Styrene sends her daughter on a journey through her mother’s archives in this intimate documentary.
Cleo and JohnCleo and John
198255 minsDirector: Vernon Lawrence
Cleo Laine and Johnny Dankworth cook up red hot jazz together live on stage, chat about married life together, and recall lengthy musical careers.