Sky Arte Tribute: Aretha Franklin Documentary 'Amazing Grace'
Sky Arte aired a special tribute to Aretha Franklin on what would have been her 80th birthday, March 25, 2022. The documentary 'Amazing Grace', directed by Sydney Pollack in 1972, was released after being blocked for over 47 years due to legal issues. It captures the recording of her legendary double live album 'Amazing Grace', the best-selling gospel album in history. The recording took place at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles, where Franklin returned to her roots. The film debuted on the big screen thanks to Alan Elliott. It premiered at DOC NYC Festival, Berlinale 2019, and Taormina Film Festival, receiving unanimous acclaim from critics and audiences, with The New Yorker calling it 'a miracle'.
Key facts
- Aretha Franklin was born on March 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee.
- Sky Arte aired a special tribute on March 25, 2022, her 80th birthday.
- The documentary 'Amazing Grace' was directed by Sydney Pollack in 1972.
- The film was blocked for over 47 years due to legal issues.
- The album 'Amazing Grace' is the best-selling gospel album in history.
- Recording took place at New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles.
- Alan Elliott oversaw the film's theatrical release.
- The documentary screened at DOC NYC Festival, Berlinale 2019, and Taormina Film Festival.
Entities
Artists
- Aretha Franklin
- Sydney Pollack
- Alan Elliott
Institutions
- Sky Arte
- New Temple Missionary Baptist Church
- The New Yorker
- DOC NYC Festival
- Berlinale
- Taormina Film Festival
Locations
- Memphis
- Tennessee
- Los Angeles