When one thinks of popular movies in which choral singing plays a central role, Sister Act (1992) starring Whoopi Goldberg, Pitch Perfect (2012), or Joyful Noise (2012) starring Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton might come to mind, but here is a list of ten films and documentaries you may not have heard of that speak to the role that choral singing plays in creating community, inspiring change, overcoming adversity, and in some cases, taking down political regimes.
The Singing Revolution (2006) Trailer
“Most people don’t think about singing when thinking about revolutions. But in Estonia song was the weapon of choice when, between 1987 and 1991, Estonians wanted to end decades of Soviet occupation.
The Singing Revolution shares how hundreds of thousands of Estonians gathered publicly to sing forbidden patriotic songs and share protest speeches, risking their lives to proclaim their desire for independence. While violence and bloodshed was the unfortunate end result in other occupied nations of the USSR, the revolutionary songs of the Estonians anchored their struggle for freedom, which was ultimately accomplished without the loss of a single life.”
2. Les Choristes (2004) Trailer
Nominated for Academy Awards in both the Foreign Language Film and Best Song categories in 2004, this heart-warming French film directed by Christophe Barratier is an adaptation of the film A Cage of Nightingales (1945). It tells the story of a young conductor, who after years of failed endeavors, tries to find his way in life. When he takes a job teaching music in 1949 at Fond de l'Etang, a remote school for troubled boys orphaned by WWII, Clément Mathieu is unprepared for the harsh and depressing atmosphere perpetuated by the principal, an egotistical disciplinarian. Monsieur Mathieu finds himself at odds with the principal and decides to introduce choral singing as a way to win his students over. With passion and unconventional teaching methods, he's able to spark his students' interest in music and bring them a newfound joy.
3. Gay Chorus Deep South (2019) Trailer
“In response to a wave of discriminatory anti-LGBTQ laws and the divisive 2016 election, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus embarks on a tour of the American Deep South. Led by Gay Chorus Conductor Dr. Tim Seelig and joined by The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir; the tour brings a message of music, love and acceptance to communities and individuals confronting intolerance. Over 300 singers travelled from Mississippi to Tennessee through the Carolinas and over the bridge in Selma. They performed in churches, community centers and concert halls in hopes of uniting us in a time of difference. The journey also challenges Tim and other Chorus members who fled the South to confront their own fears, pain and prejudices on a journey towards reconciliation. The conversations and connections that emerge offer a glimpse of a less divided America, where the things that divide us—faith, politics, sexual identity—are set aside by the soaring power of music, humanity and a little drag. A Film by David Charles Rodrigues.”
4. We Are Together (2009) Trailer
“We South Africans sing before we sleep, sing before we eat, we sing when we are happy, we sing when we are celebrating, we sing when we are sad”. Slindile and her siblings have lived at Agape for four years, since their parents were taken by AIDs. Her elder siblings remain in the family home. Their lives are unremarkable on the surface. They go to school and play with their friends like all other children their age. Yet every evening after school, under the tutelage of Thelembani, the kids of Agape get together and sing: the result is truly extraordinary. Full of twists and turns, We Are Together is the exceptional story of one family’s fight against adversity, and how music and friendship can brighten even the gloomiest of days.
5. The Homeless Chorus Speaks (2019) Trailer
Directed and Produced by Susan Polis Schutz. Annukka Lilja, Editor. Bret Granato, Supervising Editor.
"The Homeless Chorus Speaks" is a compelling documentary that creatively depicts a critical and timely social issue: people living without support and shelter. Using a unique community choir (Voices of Our City Choir) in San Diego as a vehicle to tell the stories of people suffering with homelessness, the film -- like all of Susan Polis Schutz’s documentaries -- effectively puts a human face on a crucial problem and makes it strikingly clear just how easily someone can end up living on the streets. - Lauren Mills, American Public Television Watch film here.
6. Amandla!: A Revolution in Four Part Harmony (2003) Trailer
“Through a chronological history of the South African liberation struggle, this documentary cites examples of the way that music was used in the fight for freedom. Songs united those who were being oppressed and gave those fighting a way to express their plight. The music consoled those incarcerated, and created an effective underground form of communication inside the prisons.”
7. Conducting Hope (2013) Trailer
Conducting Hope is a documentary film featuring The East Hills Singers--the only prison choir in the country to sing beyond prison walls.
“Recidivism rates for prisoners have never been higher. Now the new documentary film Conducting Hope explores an inspiring solution, in the story of the East Hills Singers, the only men’s prison choir in the country to perform outside prison walls. Highlighting the extraordinary therapeutic power of music to change lives, the choir is also comprised in part by volunteer community members who serve as role models as well as former inmates who continue to sing with the choir after release. The film movingly portrays how a group of present and former prisoners, together with community volunteers, can forge a successful path back into society.”
8. Big Voice (2016) Trailer
Big Voice is a feature musical documentary that chronicles a year in the life of high school choir director Jeffe Huls and his most advanced ensemble. Mr. Huls’ passion for the choral arts and music literacy fuels his desire to exceed all standards and expectations. The results are hard won, yet exquisite. Following a series of competitive auditions, Mr. Huls compiles his dream ensemble - the most ideal combination of voices he’s ever had. He soon discovers that these thirty-two talented teenagers are also the most unwieldy group he has ever taught. Mr. Huls must convince his students to set aside their egos, conflicting styles, and teenage angst to achieve the artistry he knows they are capable of.
Big Voice is a story brimming with musical performances as it interweaves slices of life, interviews, and multi-camera coverage of masterwork performances to engage and entertain.
9. The Beatbox Choir (2007) Trailer
This is an award-winning documentary film from 2007 about the creation of beatboxer Shlomo's choir "The Vocal Orchestra". Filmmaker Colette McWilliams and her team were granted exclusive access throughout the 6 weeks between the choir's first meeting and performing their headlining show for the International Human Beatbox Convention. The film follows the highs and the lows as Shlomo, the Swingle Singers, MC Zani, Bellatrix and Spitf'ya break new ground to create a whole new performance sound - it's The Beatbox Choir! This film was independently produced in London and has previously only been shown at film festivals, including the OS International Film Festival where it was awarded Best Documentary, and at the D Reel International Film Festival, Australia where it was included in the official selection. Watch film here.
10. Never Stop Singing (2019) PBS-Watch documentary here.
Minnesota is renowned for its outstanding choral music at the college, community and professional levels. What inspires this intense love of singing? Noted musicians Dominick Argento, Anton Armstrong, Philip Brunelle, David Cherwien, Rene Clausen, Stephen Paulus, Robert Robinson, Kathy Romey, Dale Warland and other composers share their passion for the choral art along with performance excerpts.