As part of a continuing series of repertory screenings that honor the legacy of the Hi-Pointe Theatre, Cinema St. Louis is marking Black History Month with screenings of the 1982 documentary Say Amen, Somebody, directed by George T. Nierenberg, from February 17-19.
Bree Maniscalco, executive director of Cinema St. Louis, notes that Say Amen, Somebody, which explores the history of gospel music, was critically acclaimed at the time of its release, making Roger Ebert’s year Top 10, among others. In St. Louis, the film played at the Hi-Pointe to sold-out crowds for eight weeks.
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Say Amen, Somebody is the latest addition to Cinema St. Louis’ series of popular film’s from Hi-Pointe’s past, which began with Peter Greenaway’s The Draughtsman’s Contract.
“When we were going through negotiations with the family, as it looked like we were going to get funding to buy the Hi-Pointe, we asked, ‘What are some of your favorite films you’ve played over the years?’” Maniscalco says. “George James gave us a whole list of the most popular films and the films he loved, so we’re trying to get our hands on a number of those films to play them this year.”
Say Amen, Somebody’s return to the Hi-Pointe will be particularly special. Gospel music legend Zella Jackson Price, who is featured in the film, will be in attendance at the Sunday, February 19, screening. Following the film, attendees can listen in on a conversation between Price and Monica Butler, CEO and owner of Gospel Music Hall of Fame Missouri, about the making of the film, followed by audience an Q&A.
“It is so exciting to be able to honor [Price] and the history of gospel music in the country and in St. Louis,” Maniscalco says. “And I couldn’t think of a better place to do it than the Hi-Pointe.”
Maniscalco notes that, with the added resources at the Hi-Pointe, Cinema St. Louis hopes to continue to bring audiences these sorts of collaborations with community partners.
“Doing more of those kinds of experiences, the things you can’t get when you’re watching a film at home, we want to create those community experiences where people can come and celebrate film, celebrate the stories being told, educate themselves a little but, and in the case of some of the nonprofits we’ve worked with, go on to be change makers for good,” Maniscalco says.
Say Amen, Somebody plays at the Hi-Pointe Theatre from February 17-19. For showtimes and tickets, visit cinemastlouis.org
