A Story of Culture, Creativity and Music That Shaped America
America’s Musical Journey, MacGillivray Freeman Films’ newest 3D Giant Screen documentary, celebrates the unique diversity of cultures and the creative risk-taking that characterize America, as told through the story of its music. The film follows Grammy-Award® nominated singer and songwriter Aloe Blacc as he traces Louis Armstrong’s footsteps through the colorful locales and cultures where America’s music was born. Visiting cities such as New Orleans, Chicago, Detroit, New York City, Nashville, Miami and more, audiences will experience uniquely American adventures that embody the country’s trailblazing spirit — paddle-wheel boating up the Mississippi Delta, flash mob dancing in Chicago or skydiving with Elvis impersonators above Memphis — in scenes shot specifically for the giant screen. Along the way, audiences will meet the artists, music makers, storytellers and innovators who are shaping America’s culture today and hopefully be inspired to explore their own creativity when the film lands in theatres in February.
A MacGillivray Freeman Film produced in association with Brand USA and presented by Expedia, Inc.
Narrated by Morgan Freeman
Run Time: 40 Minutes
Format: filmed in 15 perforation/70mm, DCI compliant digital, IMAX digital, Dome-customized 15/70, 2D and 3D
Where to Watch
Honors and Reviews
“An exuberant exploration of the country’s creative roots.”
–The New York Times
“A foot-stomping, high-flying, body-bending, hands-clapping, back-flipping, soul-lifting new film, celebrates the USA’s trailblazing spirit, dynamic diversity and enormous musical contribution.”
–Forbes
“Music just lives and breathes through this film. Let your teachers know about this incredible film that celebrates the vitality and importance of the arts.” 5 out of 5 Stars
–Kidzworld
“Crisp, bird’s eye views capture glittering urban cityscapes of the various sites… the aerial shots remain a visual highlight of the film.”
–Smithsonianmag.com
“It’s upbeat, positive tone…should appeal to students…It’s the kind of empowering, inspiring story children need to know.”
–Film Journal International
- Best Musical Score – 2018 GSCA Achievement Awards
- Best Sound Design – 2018 GSCA Achievement Awards
- Best Audience Recommendation Film—2018 Beijing International Film Festival, Science and Technology Section
- Gold World Medal (Documentary – Travel and Tourism) – 2019 New York Festivals Best of Film and TV
For Educators
The Educator Guide contains 10 k-8 lessons that are designed to teach key language, social studies, and science standards using the STEM instructional techniques of experiential learning, investigative thinking, and model testing. The activities in the guide contain open ended MAKE prompts for students to design artifacts, make predictions, and evaluate decisions.
Showtimes
Visit the film website for behind-the-scenes videos and more.
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