The documentary about the beloved artists-activists Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, will debut this weekend at The American Black Film Festival. The film is directed by their grandson, Muta’Ali. It will be shown on Sunday, June 22.
“Life’s Essentials with Ruby Dee,” part tribute, part history lesson and part coming-of-age story, will give viewers an intimate look into the remarkable lives of the couple many consider the all-time king and queen of black Hollywood.
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“To admire and speak highly of my grandparents is easy, but to apply their principles in my own life has proven less so. There is self-discovery in the vast space between what I look up to–their 56 year marriage, their socially conscious career choices, and their bravery in the struggle–and what I may be willing to practice,†says Muta’Ali.
The documentary is produced by Jevon
“NJ†Frank and features notables Alan Alda, Angela Bassett, Harry Belafonte, Danny Glover, Hill Harper, Samuel Jackson, Spike Lee, Sonia Sanchez, and Dr. Cornel West. They all offer insights into and memories of the couple’s love, art, and activism.“Life’s Essentials with Ruby Dee” will be screened on Sunday, June 22 at 1:50 p.m. at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) Theatre, 333 West 23 Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues) in Manhattan. (Take the A, C, E or 1 to 23rd Street.) Tickets are $12.00 and can be purchased by visiting www.abff.com. For more information on the film, visithttp://rubydee.lifesessentialsdocs.com/.