Telluride World Premiere
“Mother” Lena Mae Perry and The Branchettes brought audiences to church during a Sunday morning performance and World Premiere at the 48th Annual Telluride Film Festival. The feature documentary was one of just three dozen films screening at the annual high-profile event in Telluride, Colorado over a gorgeous Memorial Day weekend. A joyful noise filled The Palm Theater as many in the festival audience clapped along and were moved to tears.
As the final credits rolled The Branchettes took the stage and delivered a “real Telluride moment” according to Festival Director Julie Huntsinger. Perry and pianist Angela Kent were joined by Producer Phil Cook on guitar as they delivered a half-hour medley of rousing Southern gospel hymns to a standing ovation. Following the performance the film crew went outside for photos and Perry was asked if she would like to join in a gondola ride up to the top of the mountains that surrounded the town. “No, I believe the only time I’m going that high is when I see Jesus,” Perry said with a laugh.
“I’ve never seen a film about gospel music that so beautifully depicts the music’s deep spiritual power”
— Paul Barnes, Documentary Editor and Producer SAY AMEN, SOMEBODY • THE THIN BLUE LINE