THE WORLD ACCORDING TO ALLEE WILLIS

ALLEE WILLIS_FINAL

Allee Willis, the remarkable songwriter and artist, gained notoriety for her range of exceptional contributions to the music industry. She composed the iconic “Friends” theme song, the Earth Wind & Fire mega-hit “September,” and contributed to the musical The Color Purple. Hailing from Detroit in the 1950s, she began chronicling her life from a young age, a practice she diligently maintained throughout her life. Notably, Willis celebrated unapologetic self-expression, which extended to her unique asymmetrical haircut, legendary themed parties held at her real-life Pee-Wee’s Playhouse, and her bold and vibrant personal style characterized by an exploration of prints and colors.

Despite her public image, Willis privately grappled with the pressures of societal norms on her expressions of gender and sexuality. The World According to Allee Willis delves into the captivating tale of this music icon, chronicling her journey towards finding genuine love, self-acceptance, and unparalleled creative prowess.

Introduction by Jack Hamilton (UVA)

 

Closed Captions are available for this screening and assistive devices are available upon request. The on stage presentations will include ASL interpretation. For more information or to request an accommodation, visit VAFF Accessibility.

Date

Sat, Nov 2, 2024

Time

2:45 PM

Location

Violet Crown 6 & 7

Film Info

Director: Alexis Spraic

Runtime: 97 min.

Genre: Documentaries

Year: 2024

Country: United States

Language: English