Evening

Series/Themes: Black Excellence, Critical Conversations, Special Guests, Virginia Filmmaking Focus

Genre: Documentaries

Film Year: 2022

Locations: USA

Film Length: 60 min.

Languages: English

Director: Eduardo Montes Bradley

Featuring: Rhiannon Giddens, Justin Robinson, Kip Lornell, John Jeremiah Sullivan

The product of an intensive year’s worth of uninterrupted field research, Black Fiddlers explores the legacy of African Americans who shaped the cultural landscape of American folklore. Director Eduardo Montes-Bradley traces the personal and family stories of violin players of African descent throughout the country, seeking common threads and throughlines. Notable performers such as David Roberts, Earl White, and Rhiannon Giddens share their individual journeys and music, and local historians and academics offer scholarly approaches that deepen and enrich an understanding and appreciation of American Folk music and culture. This compelling documentary aspires to provide the first comprehensive account of America’s rich musical history as told by Black fiddlers today.

Introduction by Andrea Copeland (VAFF DEI Committee)
Discussion with Director Eduardo Montes-Bradley and Subject Earl White, moderated by Kirt von Daacke (UVA)

This film is part of the Virginia Filmmaking Focus presented by Virginia Film Office.