Official Selection—Hot Docs, SXWS and Sundance Festival 2021
Experience what Rolling Stone calls “The Next Great Visual Album” ahead of a wider release in the fall!
In his stunning Sundance award-winning visual album, rapper and singer Topaz Jones offers a thoroughly modern and timely reimagining of The Black ABCs, a flashcard system developed by a group of Chicago teachers in the 1970s. With messages like “A is for Afro” and “S is for Soul Sister,” the cards promoted images of Black learning and joy in an era where the vast majority of materials created for kids were centered on whiteness. Now, 50 years later, the multi-talented Jones—along with directing duo rubberband—updates the meaning of each letter of the alphabet to reflect on aspects of contemporary Black identity. Lensed with lush, eye-popping style by Lemonade cinematographer Chayse Irvin, Don’t Go Tellin' Your Momma is an unforgettable sensory experience with a powerful social message.
Featuring a special post-screening Q&A with Topaz Jones and co-director Simon Davis (rubberband), moderated by For Viola programmers Dawnalda Brennan and Julian Carrington.
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