MILFORD GRAVES FULL MANTIS

By Jake MEGINSKY

MONODUO FILMS - as SALES World

Art - Culture - Completed 2018

MILFORD GRAVES FULL MANTIS is a portrait of renowned percussionist Milford Graves, exploring his kaleidoscopic creativity and relentless curiosity.

"A captivating sound poem." - The New York Times
"One of the best jazz documentaries ever assembled... a singular viewing experience." - The Wire

Festivals
& Awards

Rotterdam IFFR 2018
SXSW 2018
CPH:DOX 2018
Sheffield doc/fest 2018
    • Year of production
    • 2018
    • Genres
    • Art - Culture, Biography, Documentary
    • Countries
    • USA
    • Languages
    • ENGLISH
    • Duration
    • 94 mn
    • Director(s)
    • Jake MEGINSKY
    • Synopsis
    • MILFORD GRAVES FULL MANTIS patiently draws the viewer through world-renowned jazz percussionist Milford Graves’ kaleidoscopic creative process. In his lush garden, blocks from his childhood home in the housing projects of South Jamaica, Queens, Graves tells stories of struggle and survival, ruminates on the essence of 'swing', and listens to the sound of his heart. The film weaves blistering performance footage from Europe, Japan, and the U.S. with an intimate glimpse into the artist’s singular voice and complex cosmology. Oscillating from present to past and traversing the globe with its subject, this is cinema full of rhythm and intensity, embodying the essence of Graves’ music itself.