Here is a first look clip from Uncharted, a documentary film that follows female artists who attend Alicia Keys’ She Is The Music organization.
Along with Alicia Keys, the documentary is executive produced by Ann Mincieli, Jody Gerson, Sam Kirby Yoh, Katie Couric, Brenda Robinson, and Abby Rodriguez
Directed by Beth Aala, Uncharted will world premiere at the 2023 Tribeca Festival in the Spotlight selection.
The film follows emerging female artists who attend a once in a lifetime songwriting camp helmed by Alicia Keys and her organization She Is The Music. A personal look at the music industry through the lens of black and brown creatives, Uncharted, is an intimate portrait of these rising stars and the pressures and challenges they face in a business offering little access for success.
Filmmaker Beth Aala commented, “While filming Uncharted, it was poignant to see the striking similarities between the documentary space and the music world. All of the artists I filmed wear so many hats in order to make their art. To capture DaVionne creating her music solo in her apartment, only to be measured in the end by numbers and algorithms that falsely translated her value, was heartbreaking. To see Jean so established and successful in many ways, but still finding it difficult to sustain a steady and consistent income, surely resonated with me. And lastly, for Ayoni to candidly relay how you can have the talent and the drive, but it all comes down to luck and having someone simply decide to give you the opportunity, sounded all too familiar. The lack of access is real. The expectation to do it all for little or no pay, just to be even considered, is wildly common. These are all things I personally wrestle with in my own career; I often juggle many jobs and roles just to get a film across the finish line, and the highs and lows of being dedicated to my craft can be deflating and incredibly rewarding all at once.”
“While watching the artists face these challenges during filming, I was inspired by the incredible group of women, who are leaders in the music industry (Alicia Keys!), paving the way for change. I also got to experience such beauty in the making of music and in the making of this film. Capturing the process of these talented female creatives – strangers from the start – who were connected by music and formed an immediate and collective bond at the songwriting camp, was truly special. It was empowering to see them in such a naturally supportive and creative space, and the energy was infectious.”
Watch the first clip for Uncharted
Festival Screenings:
Saturday, June 10 at 8:00 PM, BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center – World Premiere
Sunday, June 11 at 2:45 PM, VEC-03 – 2nd Public Screening
Tuesday, June 13 at 9:30 PM, VEC-02 – 3rd Public Screening