May 22, 2018
Cinematheque’s Jazz Film series presented in collaboration with Jazz Winnipeg opens June 20 with one of the most comprehensive docs on women jazz instrumentalists in the USA ever made – Kay D. Ray’s Lady Be Good: Instrumental Women in Jazz (June 20, 23 & 24). Musician and composer Patrice Rushen guides us through exciting histories of women musicians from the early 1920’s to the 70s with rare photos, previously unseen film and television footage, and scarce recordings. Featuring Peggy Gilbert, Marian McPartland, Carline Ray, Quincy Jones, Jane Sager and many others.
Also screening to tie in with the Winnipeg appearance of the Flaming Lips is the intimate, dynamic portrait of the band, The Fearless Freaks (June 22 & 28). Director Brad Beesley combed through 400 hours of footage including a decade of home movies, personal interviews, live shows, music videos and their first full-length feature film (Christmas On Mars) to create the definitive portrait of the band.”Best and most intimate documentary made in ages…a masterful work of art,”said Marc Savlov, of the Austin Chronicle.
And don’t miss the portrait of jazz piano legend Bill Evans, Bill Evans: Time Remembered (June 22, 24 & 28). Eight years in the making, the film features rare archival footage and over 40 interviews with jazz legends Billy Taylor, Gene Lees, Tony Bennett, Jack DeJohnette, Jon Hendricks, Jim Hall, Bobby Brookmeyer, Chuck Israels, Paul Motian, and Gary Peacock. Finally the festival finishes up with the homage to Prince’s Purple Rain, featuring Tuareg guitarist Mdou Moctar in his first film, Rain the Colour of Blue with a Little Red in It (June 21, 23 & 27). His stunning guitar performances will leave you breathless.
Sponsored by Jazz Winnipeg.
