Mavis!

"Gospel great Mavis Staples is at the centre of this documentary, which charts her life as a singer and a civil rights activist. Staples began performing with her family band the Staples Singers in the late 1940s. Led by their father, Roebuck ‘Pops’ Staples, the group were early to adopt civil rights messages into their music after hearing Dr. Martin Luther King speak. They soon became friends of Dr. King’s and an important instrument in preaching his message."

"Living legend Mavis Staples is fondly celebrated in Jessica Edwards' spirited biographical documentary."

"There are a few lovely scenes: Mavis listening to a new mix of one of her father's last recordings is heartbreaking. For old-soul fans, Mavis! is a must."

"Richness, warmth and tenderness pulse from this lovely documentary."

"Directed by newcomer Jessica Edwards, this tribute documentary follows a standard biographical formula. Still, the film would be worth seeing and hearing just for the footage of Staples in concert."

"An overdue and terrifically well put together love letter to a trailblazing singer and artist who deserves it more than most. Very recommended."

"Maybe too short and too plain, but it covers a lot of ground and contains a lot of great music. It's a fitting tribute to a true American original, belatedly getting her due."

"This cheery profile of the gospel-singing maven is worth seeing for its incredible performance footage."

"Brimful of glorious sounds, this affectionate fan letter says as much about Pops Staples's artistic and political evolution as it does about his devoted daughter, one of the all-time greats."