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Giving Voice

Name: Giving Voice
Director: James D. Stern, Fernando Villena
Released: 2020
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

6.8/10

Good

2020

PG-13

Director

James D. Stern, Fernando Villena

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Giving Voice is a character-driven documentary that centers the Black dramatic tradition. By focusing on the August Wilson monologue competition, the film provides a platform for racial ability to act and the exploration of systemic themes through performance. The film succeeds in disrupting conventional American high school narratives by prioritizing African American literature and cultural heritage. It offers a sophisticated look at how underrepresented voices reclaim ability to act through art. While the film excels in racial and cultural representation, it lacks specific details regarding LGBTQ+ or disability representation.

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Category Breakdown

Does Giving Voice have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film explores the personal narratives of students, but does not provide explicit details about non-straight relationships or identities.

How does Giving Voice portray gender?

Good

The narrative focuses on students navigating high-stakes environments, giving female and non-binary students opportunities to show emotional strength and challenge traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Giving Voice?

Excellent

The film centers on the experiences of Black individuals, providing a significant role in driving the story to characters of color. It uses August Wilson’s work to explore systemic issues and highlight non-white narratives.

How does Giving Voice represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The documentary highlights Black oral traditions and cultural histories, critiquing the exclusion of Black voices from the standard theatrical canon and prioritizing cultural authenticity.

Does Giving Voice include disability representation?

Minimal

There is insufficient evidence to determine the presence or portrayal of neurodivergence or physical disabilities within the student cohort.

Present on Screen

Centers the Black experience through the works of August Wilson.
Provides high ability to act to performers of color within an artistic context.
Elevates Black oral traditions and challenges the Western dramatic canon.

Limited or Absent

Lack of explicit detail regarding LGBTQ+ identities and storylines.
Insufficient information regarding the representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Every year, thousands of high schoolers enter the August Wilson monologue competition for a chance to perform on Broadway. This film follows these students, examining how Wilson and his characters speak to a new generation, inspiring them to listen to his words and find their own voice.

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