Hot Docs Cinema is now presenting the virtual theatre release of Ella Fitzgerald: Just One of Those Things, a documentary tracing the extraordinary life of one of the most enduring figures in jazz.
Directed by Leslie Woodhead, the film begins with Fitzgerald’s upbringing in Harlem and follows her ascent to stardom as she turned the tragedies of her life and the troubles of her times into the joy of music.
As stated in the film’s synopsis: “In the face of horrific racism and discrimination, Fitzgerald used her remarkable voice to topple the barriers of her time, becoming one of the leading voices in the civil rights movement.”
The documentary features previously unheard interviews and never-before-seen images, revealing Fitzgerald’s private struggles that went on behind the scenes.
Among those interviewed are Tony Bennett, Jamie Cullum, Laura Mvula, Johnny Mathis and Smokey Robinson. The film also includes a rare interview with Ella’s son, Ray Brown Jr.
The documentary is streaming at hotdocs.ca until Aug. 27.