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AILEY director Jamila Wignot joined us at the Angelika New York for an opening weekend Q&A to discuss this resonant biography.

After its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, AILEY went on to wow audiences at CPH DOX, Tribeca and Thessaloniki International Film Festival. The film has been met with resounding critical acclaim, and is now being adored by audiences after its opening in theaters on July 23.

Wignot, who earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for her work on AMERICAN EXPERIENCE, delivers a sophomore feature that was born after she got her hands on audio recordings of the late great Alvin Ailey:

Wignot hoped to paint a well-rounded picture of Ailey rather than a segmented one, exploring this great talent with totality – allowing all of the many influences and elements of Ailey’s life to be present in the film, including his queerness:

“★★★★ A movie that pulses with joyful expressiveness and brims with possibility.”

Observer

“Wignot layers images, video and – most important – voice-overs from Ailey to create a portrait that feels as poetic and nuanced as choreography itself.”

New York Times

View the full Q&A on our YouTube channel!

About the film:

Many know the name Alvin Ailey, but how many know the man? Ailey’s commitment to searching for truth in movement resulted in pioneering and enduring choreography that centers on African American experiences. Director Jamila Wignot’s resonant biography grants artful access to the elusive visionary who founded one of the world’s most renowned dance companies, the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. 

Where to see it:

AILEY is now playing at the Angelika Film Center & Cafe – 18 W Houston Street.