Watch Giving Voice

Giving Voice is a 2020 documentary film that takes the viewer on a journey to the annual August Wilson Monologue Competition. The film is directed by James D. Stern and Fernando Villena and features performances and commentary from renowned actors and actresses such as Mary Alice, Annette Bening, Viola Davis, and Glenn Close. The film takes place in New York City and follows six high school students from across the country as they participate in the competition. The August Wilson Monologue Competition was founded in 2007 and is dedicated to honoring the legacy of the late Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson, who is widely considered to be one of America's greatest playwrights.

The film captures the passion and dedication of these young actors as they prepare for the competition, learning and rehearsing monologues from Wilson's plays under the guidance of their teachers and mentors. The documentary explores the transformative power of Wilson's words and how they have the ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

Throughout the film, we get a glimpse into the personal journeys of the students as they battle their nerves and push through their fears to deliver powerful performances on stage. We see their vulnerability as they share their personal struggles and challenges, and how they use their experiences to bring depth and authenticity to their performances.

In addition to the performances, the documentary also features interviews with actors and directors who have worked on August Wilson's plays, including Stephen McKinley Henderson, who co-starred alongside Denzel Washington in the 2016 revival of Wilson's Fences. Their insights bring context and depth to Wilson's work and highlight its relevance in today's society.

One of the standout moments in the film is Viola Davis' surprise visit to the competition. Davis, who won an Oscar for her portrayal of Rose in the film adaptation of Fences, shares her own personal journey and how August Wilson's work has impacted her life and career. Her presence is a reminder of the power of representation and how Wilson's work has given a voice to black actors and playwrights.

Overall, Giving Voice is an inspiring and moving documentary that shines a spotlight on the next generation of actors and the enduring legacy of August Wilson. It is a celebration of the power of language, storytelling, and the transformative power of the arts. The film is not just about monologues, but also about the courage, resilience, and hope that young people can bring to the world.

Giving Voice is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.