Mavis! is the first feature documentary on gospel/soul music legend and civil rights icon Mavis Staples and her family group, The Staple Singers. From the freedom songs of the ’60s and hits like "I’ll Take You There" in the ’70s, to funked-up collaborations with Prince and her recent albums with Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, Mavis has stayed true to her roots, kept her family close, and inspired millions along the way.

Featuring powerful live performances, rare archival footage, and conversations with friends and contemporaries including Bob Dylan, Prince, Bonnie Raitt, Levon Helm, Jeff Tweedy, Chuck D, and more, Mavis! reveals the struggles, successes, and intimate stories of her journey. At 80, she's making the most vital music of her career, winning Grammy awards, and reaching a new generation of fans. Her message of love and equality is needed now more than ever.

Mavis! is available to stream on HBO, Vimeo, Amazon, Apple TV and Kanopy.

“An expansive and inspiring portrait.” — Washington Post

“One of the best music documentaries of this decade.” — Paste Magazine

“A spirited, captivating bio-doc that richly deserves the exclamation point in its title.” — Variety

“Richness, warmth and tenderness pulse from this lovely documentary. And filmmaker Jessica Edwards touches on what must be one of the great hidden love stories in music history.” — The Guardian

Mavis!
2015, 80 minutes

Executive Produced by
Gary Hustwit

Directed by
Jessica Edwards

Featuring: 
The Staple Singers
Jeff Tweedy
Chuck D
Julian Bond
Bonnie Raitt
Bob Dylan
Levon Helm
Marty Stuart
Al Bell
Prince
Steve Cropper
Sharon Jones

Produced by
Rachel Mills

Director of Photography
Keith Walker

Editor
Amy Foote

Titles and Motion Graphics
Trollbäck & Co.