“Mr. Soul! – A Film By Melissa Haizlip” Premieres August 28

Named as America’s first Black nighttime talk show host during the Civil Rights/Black Power Movement, Ellis Haizlip opened the door as a pioneer for many others to follow in his footsteps. The award-winning documentary MR. SOUL! – A FILM BY MELISSA HAIZLIP comes to theaters and over 50 virtual cinemas on August 28, 2020, and will showcase history at a significant moment.

Ellis Haizlip was hip, smart, innovative, political, and gay. In his fight for social equality, Ellis ensured the revolution would be televised, and the revolution was SOUL! Embraced as an incredibly unique weekly television show that aired on public television from 1968 – 1973, the SOUL! talk show thrived on celebrating Black American culture, art, life, love, and community by sharing its platform with households across the nation in their living rooms every week. 

Building a path for Black rising stars and colossal figures to showcase their gifts on national television sparked a creative movement that remains. Rare live performances and interviews feature the legendary Al Green, heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, Sidney Poitier, Cicely Tyson, James Baldwin, Nikki Giovanni, The Last Poets, Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, Ashford & Simpson, Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes, Billy Preston, Black Ivory, The Delfonics, Bill Withers, Sonia Sanchez, Wilson Pickett, Odetta, Merry Clayton, Mandrill, Kool & the Gang, Toni Morrison, Kathleen Cleaver, Betty Shabazz, Stokely Carmichael, Mrs. Georgia Jackson, George Faison, Patti LaBelle, Roberta Flack, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, and many more.

“We are so excited and proud to bring MR. SOUL! to everyone across America beginning August 28,” said filmmaker Melissa Haizlip. “Every week on the SOUL! show, Ellis Haizlip featured our nation’s cultural icons in front of and behind the camera, who then went on to become important cultural and artistic leaders in America.  With the current ongoing Black Lives Matter movement, as our nation is on the eve of a great racial reckoning, Ellis Haizlip’s mission, his show and the artists he gave a platform to have become even more important now.  That inspiration and that courage during that time period is a road map for our young leaders and the movement today. This will be great to share with everyone.”

MR. SOUL! is directed, written and produced by Melissa Haizlip featuring music composed and performed by Grammy® winning musician/composer Robert Glasper with narration by Grammy® and Emmy® winner Blair Underwood – one of the film’s Executive Producers. The virtual cinema release is presented together by Shoes In The Bed Productions and Open Your Eyes & Think MF.

In addition to the virtual cinema theatrical opening, the filmmakers are planning a number of special events with the first one on opening weekend on Sunday, August 30 at 4pm PT featuring a live talkback with filmmaker Melissa Haizlip; composer Robert Glasper; Executive Producer/Voice of Ellis Haizlip Blair Underwood; the R&B singing group Black Ivory,and more to be announced.  Those who purchase virtual cinema tickets the first weekend will also have access to this very special event.  More information is available on the website:  www.mrsoulmovie.com  Other events will be announced this week on the film’s website and Facebook page.