Cinematography:
Keith WalkerComposer:
Stephen James TaylorCast:
Maya Angelou (a.f.), James Earl Jones, Tyler Perry, Oprah Winfrey, Common, Alfre Woodard, Cicely Tyson, Bill Clinton, Toni Morrison, James Baldwin (a.f.)Plots(1)
Distinctly referred to as "a redwood tree, with deep deep roots in American culture," icon Maya Angelou gives people the freedom to think about their history in a way they never had before. Dr. Angelou's was a prolific life; as a singer, dancer, activist, poet, and writer she inspired generations with lyrical modern African American thought that pushed boundaries. Bob Hercules and Rita Coburn Whack's unprecedented film celebrates Dr. Maya Angelou by weaving her words with rare and intimate archival photographs and videos, which paint hidden moments of her exuberant life during some of America's most defining civil rights moments. From her upbringing in the Depression-era South to her swinging soirees with Malcolm X in Ghana to her inaugural speech for President Bill Clinton, we are given special access to interviews with Dr. Angelou whose indelible charm and quick wit make it easy to love her. Skillfully crafted with heart and ease, this film reflects the vibrant spirit of an American legend who was determined to live her philosophies and fought for what she believed in her whole life. (Sundance Film Festival)
(more)Cast
Maya Angelou (a.f.)
USA
Best movies:
Roots (1977) (series)
Poetic Justice (1993)
Porgy and Bess (1959)
James Earl Jones
USA
Best movies:
The Simpsons.com (2000) (video compilation)
Dangerous: The Short Films (1993) (video compilation)
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Tyler Perry
USA
Best movies:
Gone Girl (2014)
Star Trek (2009)
Don't Look Up (2021)
Oprah Winfrey
USA
Best movies:
Dangerous: The Short Films (1993) (video compilation)
The Color Purple (1985)
Tina Turner: Celebrate Live 1999 (1999) (concert)
Common
USA
Best movies:
American Gangster (2007)
John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
Now You See Me (2013)
Alfre Woodard
USA
Best movies:
K-Pax (2001)
Star Trek VIII: First Contact (1996)
Primal Fear (1996)
Cicely Tyson
USA
Best movies:
The Help (2011)
The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter (1968)
Roots (1977) (series)
Bill Clinton
USA
Best movies:
Contact (1997) - a.f.
Richard Jewell (2019) - a.f.
Welcome to Sarajevo (1997) - a.f.
Toni Morrison
USA
James Baldwin (a.f.)
USA