The Woods Hole Massachusetts Film Festival Highlights Luther Vandross’s Inspiring Life and Music

Festival Highlights

The Woods Hole Massachusetts Film Festival on the Cape and Islands recently wrapped up its 33rd edition, which ran from Saturday, July 27 through Saturday, August 3. The festival is followed by online screenings from August 4-11.

The festival featured a program of 47 feature-length and 73 short dramas, comedies, documentaries, and animation from 19 countries, with 6 world, 2 US, and 59 New England premieres by first-time and veteran filmmakers. Over 1000 submissions were narrowed down to these remarkable films.

Opening Night Films

Among the opening night films included the Multi-award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter’s documentary Luther: Never Too Much produced by Jamie Foxx and Colin Firth. The film recaps Luther Vandross’s Grammy^® award-winning musical career while exploring his personal life, health struggles, and a lifelong battle to earn the respect that his music deserved.

Luther Vandross’s Impact on Music

Luther Vandross could change your life with his extraordinary vocal range and tonality delivering sensitive performances of lyrics. He had the uncanny ability to stretch emotions through orchestration and his tenors of vibrations. His musicality was phenomenal; he would take you to the stars and beyond with his vocals. Luther Vandross was an enigma whose music profoundly impacted music across all genres.

Exclusive Interview with Dawn Porter

Ahead of the festival, ThisIsRnB’s host Kadeja sat down with the incredible Dawn Porter for an insightful conversation on being given access to a treasure trove of Luther Vandross’ lyrics, liner notes, archival clips, and recordings by Sony. During our conversation, she discussed the songs that impacted and contributed to understanding Luther’s life, and his evolution as an artist, and helped frame the outcome of the documentary.

In Memory of Luther Vandross

Luther Vandross always led with love in his lyrics and always hit the sweet spot with his music. His music and spirit will be forevermore!

Conclusion

The Woods Hole Massachusetts Film Festival’s 33rd edition provided a unique opportunity to explore the life and music of the legendary Luther Vandross. With exclusive interviews and inspiring documentaries, the festival celebrated the iconic singer’s impact on music and artistry.

FAQs

Q: When did the Woods Hole Massachusetts Film Festival take place?

A: The festival ran from Saturday, July 27 to Saturday, August 3, followed by online screenings from August 4-11.

Q: How many submissions did the festival receive?

A: The festival received nearly 1000 submissions, which were narrowed down to a program of 47 feature-length and 73 short films.

Q: What was the focus of the festival’s opening night film?

A: The opening night film, Luther: Never Too Much, highlighted Luther Vandross’s life and musical career, exploring his personal life, health struggles, and lifelong battle for recognition.

Q: Who sat down for an exclusive interview with ThisIsRnB ahead of the festival?

A: ThisIsRnB’s host Kadeja sat down with documentary filmmaker Dawn Porter.

Q: What will you learn from the exclusive interview with Dawn Porter?

A: The interview provides an intimate look into Luther Vandross’ life and music, as well as insights into Porter’s process of creating the documentary and selecting the songs that impacted her understanding of Vandross’ life and artistry.