The Amazing Nina Simone, the 2015 documentary on the life of the singer songwriter, will be re-released in a number of cities in the U.S. this weekend.
Directed by Jeff Lieberman, the documentary features contributions by Simone’s family and friends, including her brother Sam Waymon, Eric Bourdon of The Animals and poet Nikki Giovanni. Director Jeff Lieberman will also be attending a special screening of the film at the new Metrography Theater in New York City on April 23, and will take part in a post-film discussion.
Lieberman was inspired to re-release his documentary as an alternate to Nina, the Hollywood biopic version of the film, directed by Cynthia Mort. The release of Nina is currently surrounded by controversy, particularly over the casting of Zoe Saldana in its lead role, fitted with a prosthetic nose and dark makeup.
Since its original opening, in fall 2015, The Amazing Nina Simone has run in 65 cinemas in the U.S. Cities in which the film will be re-released include Oakland, Tallahassee and Denver, with screenings continuing throughout May.