Producers’ Forum: Sam Pollard

Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes (United States, 2023, 82 min)

The Drum Also Waltzes is the story of a musician whose far-reaching ambitions were inspired and challenged by the inequities of the society around him. His stunningly diverse seven-decade career marked him as one of the great musical artists of the 20th century and a pioneering cultural activist at times when the nation was steeped in racism. The film follows Roach across a rich and complicated life, years of now-legendary achievement, deep personal struggle, and the price he paid for his outspoken views. His was an epic musical journey -- from the revolutionary Jazz of the 1940s to the Civil Rights years, through experiments in hip hop, multi-media works, and beyond.

Sam Pollard is an accomplished feature film and television video editor, and documentary producer/director. He recently partnered with his long-time collaborators Geeta Gandbhir and Alisa Payne to form a new film production company, Message Pictures. The company's mission is to amplify quiet voices, throw light in the shadows, and share stories that dare to be told. Sam Pollard is represented by Cinetic and The Gersh Agency.