Friday, December 7th - Thursday, December 13th, 2:30pm, 4:30pm, 7:00pm, 9:45pm
New York Theatrical Premiere
Robert Townsend, 2018, 86 min

Making The Five Heartbeats documentary is an inspiring journey of filmmaker, Robert Townsend, in search of a classic while making the 1991 film, The Five Heartbeats, based a fictitious R&B singing group that goes from rags to riches. He shares his quest to get the film made with all of the ups and downs, relying on his faith, street smarts and tenacity to not give up.

Townsend’s chronicles his journey to present a new image of black people in cinema. A love letter to the movie’s fans, as well as a master-class on filmmaking, Making The Five Heartbeats is told through behind-the-scenes footage and personal stories with the five stars of the film (Townsend, Michael Wright, Harry J Lennix, Leon Robinson, Tico Wells), plus co-writer Keenen Ivory Wayans, and the film’s bad guy you love to hate, “Big Red” (Hawthorne James).

“For all those fans that have seen the movie more than once, for those that ask me when I’ll will revisit The Five Heartbeats with a sequel, for those that love the R&B/soul groups that changed the musical landscape of America, and to all that want to dive deeper into this movie’s creation, this documentary is for you,” Townsend said. “I’m humbled by your ongoing love for The Five Heartbeats and proud to be bringing you Making The Five Heartbeats.”

Friday, December 7th: Q&A with director Robert Townsend following the 7:00pm show.

Sunday, December 9th: Q&A with director Robert Townsend following the 4:30pm and 7:00pm show.

Tuesday, December 11th: Q&A with director Robert Townsend and producer Lydia Nicole following the 7:00pm show.

Wednesday. December 12th: Q&A with actor Leon Robinson (J.T. Matthews in the Five Heartbeats).