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SFA to screen award-winning '20 Feet From Stardom' documentary


NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Stephen F. Austin State University School of Art and the Friends of the Visual Arts will present a free, one-night screening of Academy Award winning "20 Feet From Stardom" at 7 p.m. Friday, June 6, in The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches.

In his compelling new film "20 Feet From Stardom," award-winning director Morgan Neville shines a spotlight on the untold true story of the backup singers behind some of the greatest musical legends of the 21st century, according to the website twentyfeetfromstardom.com.

"These gifted artists span a range of styles, genres and eras of popular music, but each has a uniquely fascinating and personal story to share of life spent in the shadows of superstardom," the website states. Along with rare archival footage and soundtrack, "20 Feet From Stardom" includes interviews with music icons such as Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Mick Jagger and Sting.

The film, produced by Gil Friesen, a music industry executive whose curiosity to know more about the lives of background singers inspired its making, follows the behind-the-scenes lives of backup singers and stars Darlene Love, Judith Hill, Merry Clayton, Lisa Fischer, Táta Vega and Jo Lawry, among others. Earlier this year, it won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 86th Academy Awards.

This screening is part of the School of Art's monthly Friday Night Film Series and is sponsored by The Liberty Bell.


The Cole Art Center is located at 329 E. Main St. For more information, call (936) 468-1131. Due to the July 4 holiday, the July film will screen on Friday, July 11.