Dillard University Hosts Screening of "ELLIS" Documentary

Jazz enthusiasts and cultural aficionados are invited to a documentary film screening on the life and legacy of New Orleans jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis Jr. The event is scheduled for Thursday, February 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Dillard University’s Georges Auditorium.

Told in his own words and music, ‘”ELLIS: The Life and Complicated Times of Pianist Ellis Marsalis Jr.” is an intimate film about Ellis Marsalis Jr., patriarch of the ‘First Family of Jazz,’ who turned teaching music into a Civil Rights Act, mentored a generation of top musicians, and changed modern jazz.

This is the first feature-length documentary about Ellis Marsalis Jr. and the Marsalis Music Family. The film chronicles the exceptional life of this composer, performer, and educator, highlighting his profound influence on jazz and his impact on the cultural landscape of New Orleans. From his upbringing during US Segregation to his passing from COVID-19, Ellis Marsalis Jr. transcended racial injustices and left an indelible mark on the world of music.

Crafted with the full cooperation of Ellis and his family, “ELLIS” features live concert performances, interviews with colleagues, and archival footage that provide insight into Ellis’s remarkable journey. Directed by Sascha Just, the film goes beyond a mere biography, intertwining Ellis’s achievements with key moments in American cultural history, showcasing his role in shaping the world around him.

You can view the trailer here.

For more information, please visit www.dillard.edu/event/ellis-screening-2024

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