Say Amen, Somebody

Director: George T. Nierenberg, 100 mins., G

One of the most acclaimed music documentaries of all time, Say Amen, Somebody is George T. Nierenberg’s exuberant, funny, and deeply moving celebration of 20th-century American gospel music. With unrivaled access to the movement’s luminaries, Thomas Dorsey and Mother Willie Mae Ford Smith, Nierenberg masterfully records their fascinating stories alongside earth-shaking, show-stopping performances by the Barrett Sisters, the O’Neal Twins, and others. As much a fascinating time capsule as it is a peerless concert movie, Say Amen, Somebody returns to theaters in a gorgeous 4K restoration. “Say Amen, Somebody is the most joyful movie I’ve seen … It is also one of the best musicals and one of the most interesting documentaries. And it’s also a terrific good time.” —Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun Times