Media Process Group’s feature doc, “Maya Angelou: And still I Rise,” the first documentary on the late author, poet and Civil Rights activist, will have a two-week US theatrical premiere, Sept. 16-20 at the Gene Siskel Film Center.
“After showing the film in festivals around the world,” including Sundance,” said MPG’s Bob Hercules, “we’re thrilled to finally have a chance to show it in our hometown of Chicago.”
Made over a four-year period, the filmmakers gathered more than 20 interviews, including several with Angelou before her 2014 death at 86, and those with Hillary and Bill Clinton, Oprah, Common, Quincy Jones and other friends, admirers and collaborators. Related here also are her close activist ties to Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X.
Co-executive directors are Reuben Cannon, producer of “Down in the Delta” directed by Angelou; Marquetta Glass, a co-EP on several Hallmark shows with Angelou; Chris Gardner, CEO of Happyness and attorney Raymond Lambert, founder of All Jokes Aside comedy clubs.
Hercules co-directed with Rita Coburn Whack; MPG partner Keith Walker was DP; David E. Simpson and Lillian Benson edited, and Stephen James Taylor composed the score.
“Angelou” debuted at 2016 Sundance and went on to garner awards from festivals on three continents.
It will air on PBS’ “American Masters” in 2017.
Purchase Siskel Center tickets here.
