Additional Films and Guests, Screen Share
A dynamic and heartfelt homage to the early days of Motown, featuring sizzling performances by writer/director Robert Townsend, Diahann Carroll, John Witherspoon, and Kasi Lemmons. Q&A to follow.
Inspired by the experiences of some of our favorite artists such as the the Dells and the Temptations, The Five Heartbeats depicts the highs and lows of the music business through the lives of five young men chasing their dream of reaching stardom. The film was a collaborative masterpiece co-written by Keenan Ivory Wayans and Robert Townsend. Townsend also directed the film and stars alongside other remarkable cast members including Leon Robinson, Harry J. Lennix, and Diahann Carroll. [122 min; drama; English]
A Q&A will follow with Dr. Novotny Lawrence (Director, Black Film Center & Archive), Dr. Olivia Ekeh (Assistant Professor, African American and African Diaspora Studies), and Nia Smith (PhD student, Ethnomusicology). A pre-screening reception will take place at the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center Bridgwaters Lounge at 5pm.
"Townsend does more than merely track the travails of five song stylists; he quivers and rages with their injustices, vulnerabilities, uncertainties and desires." — Dolores Barclay, Associated Press
"An underrated drama about the ups and downs of a Temptations-like R&B group with solid acting and fine music." — Bob Bloom, Journal and Courier
"This is not only a biography with music, but also a thoughtful look at the way five young men from a poor but nurturing Black neighborhood find success, and deal with it." — Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Any film screened at IU Cinema may contain content that viewers find sensitive or upsetting. Visit our Audience Advisories page to learn more.
