BLK DOCS presents: Digging For Weldon Irvine
Synopsis: Who is Weldon Irvine? He’s perhaps the most creative writer/pianist/arranger/composer you’ve probably never heard of. But with his deep influence on the Black Arts Movement, the evolution of hip-hop, and the development of some of the most well-known figures in modern jazz, “Digging For Weldon Irvine” explores how prolific the man who penned Nina Simone’s electrifying civil rights anthem “Young, Gifted and Black” was, and how relentlessly he strived to reinvent himself within an unforgiving and seldomly reciprocal industry.
Award-winning director Victorious De Costa (Dirty Hearts, Love Seat) brings a befitting and timely examination to the life and legacy of Weldon Irvine, whose work drew appreciation from the likes of Freddie Hubbard and Nina Simone to Mos Def and Q-Tip. Using previously unreleased audio and music from Irvine, and exclusive interviews with those professionally and personally associated with the tortured artist, De Costa helps us understand the journey of an artist of moderate success yet monumental influence.
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Started by Speller Street Films and The Luminal Theater, BLK Docs is an initiative to help build an authentic documentary film culture within the African American community through film screenings, online classes, webinars, and more.
See more at http://www.BLKDocs.com
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Starring
Q-Tip
Camille Yarbrough
jessica Care More
Lalah Hathaway
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Director's Bio
A first-generation New Yorker born of South/Central American parentage, Victorious De Costa has dedicated his life to providing social service locally and abroad. Victorious’ life-long love for the arts and activism has taken him around the world where he has learned the art of storytelling from different cultures, as well as techniques to reach people in need. Victorious is a producer of “Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn”, a documentary, released by HBO Films (via ABFF/Lightbox). “Digging for Weldon Irvine” is his directorial debut.
