Snoop Dogg and Yo Gotti are among the artists featured in Martin Shore's award-winning music documentary Take Me To The River.
According to Vibe magazine, the film -- named for the classic song by the great soul singer Al Green (later a hit cover version by Talking Heads) -- explores the inter-generational and inter-racial musical influence of Memphis.
Take Me To The River "is not just a movie, it's an experience for the soul," the film's distributor Richard Abramowitz told Indie Wire. "Bringing together musical talents from various generations creates a bridge of understanding between the young and old about where their musical history is rooted."
Abramowitz's distribution company, Abramorama, announced a joint venture yesterday (July 16) with Social Capital Films as the companies together acquired the U.S. theatrical rights to Shore's documentary.
The film premiered earlier this year at SXSW, where it won the 24 Beats Per Second Audience Award, and has also screened at the 2014 Bonaroo Music and Arts Festival to critical acclaim.
"I cried and I laughed when I watched this film," Snoop said at the film's premiere. "The world needs to know all about this music -- and it's not just music, it's a lifestyle."
The film is narrated by Terrence Howard and features a soulful ensemble that includes soul singers William Bell, Mavis Staples, and Otis Clay, child rapper Lil P-Nut, bluesmen Charlie Musselwhite, Bobby "Blue" Bland and Bobby Rush, Academy Award winning rappper Frayser Boy, and The North Mississippi All-Stars.
As noted by The Hollywood Reporter, some of the artists featured in the documentary have passed away since filming, including Bland, Pitts and blues guitar great Hubert Sumlin.
A companion album with tracks from the film's featured artists will be released in the fall.
Snoop Dogg and Howard have executive produced the film.
Take Me To The River is slated to be released September 12. Check out the film's trailer below.
