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Deep Dive: Ailey (2021)

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Ailey
Ailey is a documentary directed by Jamila Wignot that follows the life of dancer Alvin Ailey. The film incorporates audio recordings made by Ailey for an autobiography he was working on, allowing his voice to narrate parts of his story. Wignot aimed to provide a contemporary element by filming rehearsals of 'Lazarus' by the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, illustrating Ailey's lasting impact on future generations of artists. Production began in Summer 2018 and concluded in October 2019, initiated by Insignia Films after realizing there were no existing documentaries about Ailey. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 30, 2021, and was released in theaters on July 23, 2021, followed by a broadcast on PBS's American Masters on January 11, 2022.

Why Watch

  • •See Alvin Ailey's influence on modern dance.
  • •Meet the creative team behind 'Lazarus'.
  • •Follow Ailey's life through his own recordings.

Did You Know

•The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 30, 2021.
•Production on the film started in Summer 2018 and ended in October 2019.
•Ailey has a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 80 reviews.
•The documentary was broadcast on PBS's American Masters on January 11, 2022.

Perfect For

Dance enthusiastsDocumentary fansAlvin Ailey followers