Jessica Edwards’ “Mavis!,” the first documentary about gospel/soul music legend and civil rights icon Mavis Staples, has been acquired by HBO.
Edwards described “Mavis!” as an exploration of “how Mavis and her family influenced and contributed to the history of American music while staying true to her commitment to equality and civil rights” in an interview with Women and Hollywood. “Mavis!” is Edwards’ first film.
The documentary made its world premiere at the 2015 SXSW Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation. The film will continue on the festival circuit through the summer before airing on the premium cable network.