Films
MAX ROACH FILM
MAX ROACH
THE DRUM ALSO WALTZES
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE
Presented by Groovescooter at
SYDNEY UNDERGROUND FILM FESTIVAL
3.30PM, SUNDAY SEPT 10th, 2023
DENDY CINEMAS, King St Newtown
▣ BUY TICKETS
“By the end, we have come to know Roach in all his complicated glory. He was brilliant and mercurial, and left behind an inspirational legacy that remains as vibrant today as it ever was.” [Hammer To Nail]
Dir: Ben Shapiro & Sam Pollard
Cast: Questlove, Quincy Jones, Sonny Rollins,
Abbey Lincoln, Harry Belafonte, Ibrahim Abdullah + more
“…Raw, unapologetic, and full of Roach’s unique sense of rhythm—not just behind the drumset… Crucial.” [The Stranger]
Whether considering his towering status as a pioneer of bebop or revolutionary releases like We Insist! Freedom Now Suite with vocalist partner Abbey Lincoln, MAX ROACH is universally regarded as one of the most important drummers of the idiom he refused to be constrained by: Jazz. This must-see new documentary beautifully tells the story of Roach, as a trailblazing musician, activist, father, lover, collaborator, teacher and inspiration to many. His far-reaching artistic ambitions were inspired and challenged by the inequities and racism of the society around him, while his stunningly diverse seven-decade career mark him as one of the great musical artists of the 20th century. The film follows Roach across a rich and complicated life, years of now-legendary achievement, deep personal struggle, and the price he paid for his outspoken views. His was an epic musical journey – from the game-changing Jazz of the 1940s to the Civil Rights years, through experiments in hip hop, multi-media works, and beyond. Following its World Premiere at SXSW earlier this year, join us to celebrate the life and talents of a true trailblazer in Sydney with this documentary that has been 35 years in the making.