Anthem
World Premiere

Anthem

Spotlight Documentary
Feature | United States | 98 MINUTES | English
Women, Documentary, Music, Expressions of Black Freedom

“The Star-Spangled Banner”, written in 1814 using the melody of an old British tune, is a song that evokes a range of emotions from patriotic pride to cynicism and terror. But what would the national anthem sound like if it was based on American music? Anthem follows composer and pianist Kris Bowers and producer Dahi as they journey across the country to find out.

The duo’s road trip takes them to Detroit, home of the Motown sound and civil unrest; Clarksdale, the birthplace of the blues; Nashville, the country music capital of the world; New Orleans, where jazz bands preserve a unique musical legacy; Tulsa, where Native American musicians share their story through dance; and San Francisco, where Latin American culture and activism thrive. Conversations with the musicians in each of these cities naturally lead Bowers and Dahi to deeper discussions about race, history, and national identity, culminating with recording a new anthem that reflects the America we know and love today.––Jose Rodriguez

After the Premiere: A conversation with film director Peter Nicks, Ryan Coogler, Kris Bowers and Dahi, plus a special performance by Kris Bowers and Sing Harlem Choir.


Cast & Credits
Directed by
Peter Nicks
Director
Peter Nicks
Producer
Peter Nicks, Kris Bowers, Sean Havey, Chris L. Jenkins, Ryan Coogler (Proximity)
Cinematographer
Sean Havey
Editor
Rebecca Adorno Dávila, J. Christian Jensen
Composer
Kris Bowers
Executive Producer
R.J. Cutler (This Machine), Elise Pearlstein (This Machine), Zinzi Coogler (Proximity), Sev Ohanian (Proximity)
Cast
Kris Bowers, Dahi, Ruby Amanfu, Charity Bowden, Joy Harjo, Cecilia Cassandra Peña-Govea

Contacts
Press Contact
Teresa DiMartino
onyx@ssmandl.com
* Rush Tickets available at venue except for
Beacon Theatre
Rush will be offered when advanced tickets for a screening or event are no longer available at venues other than Beacon Theatre.
The Rush system functions as a standby line that will form at the venue approximately one hour prior to scheduled start time. Admittance is based on availability and will begin roughly 10 minutes prior to program start time. Rush Tickets are the same price as advance tickets and are payable upon entry.

Part of the Expressions of Black Freedom programming. Sponsored by:

Co-hosted by:

Newsletter

Subscribe for festival news, exclusive offers, programming updates, and more!
Get Festival Updates

Tribeca Festival Partners

Presenting Partner
Signature Partners
Presenting Partner
Signature Partners
Presenting Partner
Signature Partners
Presenting Partner
Supporters
Presenting Partner
Friends of the Festival
Presenting Partner
Media Friends of the Festival
Presenting Partner
Media Friends of the Festival
Presenting Partner
Industry Partners
See all partners