The Singing, Dancing Documentaries of George T. Nierenberg

An infectious sense of joy lights up the documentaries of George T. Nierenberg, whose films are essential records of African American cultural achievement. With his touchstone documentary NO MAPS ON MY TAPS and its follow-up ABOUT TAP, Nierenberg helped to revitalize interest in the art of tap dancing by spotlighting legendary dancers like Howard “Sandman” Sims, Bunny Briggs, and Chuck Green. In SAY AMEN, SOMEBODY, the filmmaker tells the story of gospel music with similar passion, capturing soul-shaking performances from greats such as Thomas A. Dorsey, known as the Father of Gospel Music, and Willie Mae Ford Smith.