Crafted from never-before-seen footage originally shot in 1972, Amazing Grace documents the recording of Aretha Franklin’s seminal and acclaimed gospel album of the same name. Recorded live at New Temple Baptist Missionary Church in Watts, California in front of a lively congregation, Sydney Pollack’s film was initially abandoned after an issue with syncing the sound prevented its release. Now, over 45 years later, digital technology has made it possible to match sound to picture, giving Pollack’s long-lost film a new life. Over two nights, Pollack dutifully captured Aretha Franklin’s virtuosic performance, which pulses with emotion, conviction, and awe-inspiring power. Amazing Grace exists as both a living historical document and a necessary addendum to the Queen of Soul’s legacy.
Amazing Grace
This film is part of the Sounds of Summer series.
This series is sponsored by:
The Lucille & Paul Maslin Foundation
Janet Maslin
Exclusive media partner:

Amazing Grace
2018. 89 m. Sydney Pollack/Alan Elliot. NEON Rated. US. English. Rated G.
Tickets: $11 (members), $16 (nonmembers)
"It’s raw religion, and it’s a treasure."
"This is a film that revels in a titanic talent, and the details that an audio recording can never pick up. The close-ups are wonderfully intimate."
This film is part of the Sounds of Summer series.
This series is sponsored by:
The Lucille & Paul Maslin Foundation
Janet Maslin
Exclusive media partner:

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