When I Rise

When I Rise is a powerful and inspirational documentary from 2010 that delves into the life of Barbara Smith Conrad, a gifted mezzo-soprano opera singer who broke significant racial barriers in the world of music and performance arts.

The film features the living legend Harry Belafonte, well-known for his commitment to civil rights and humanitarianism. It offers unique insights into the world of classical music and shines a light on Barbara Smith Conrad's groundbreaking career that inspired profound changes in the perception of race and talent. Directed by Mat Hames, the film takes the audience through an emotional roller-coaster ride, beautifully highlighting the potently vibrant charisma and resiliency of Barbara Smith Conrad.

The movie unveils a historic event in 1957 when Barbara Smith Conrad, then a charismatic and talented student at The University of Texas, found herself at the center of a severe racial controversy. Barbara was chosen for the university opera’s leading role but was later denied due to her African-American heritage as the bigotry of the times reared its head. This isolated incident rocked the nation, bringing this unfair issue justly into the public eye. This moment proved instrumental in our understanding and attitudes towards discrimination to this day, and Barbara Smith Conrad became a powerful symbol of the progressive Civil Rights Movement.

Through evocative narratives and deep-browed introspection, ‘When I Rise’ encapsulates the predicaments of an era in terms of racial prejudices in the socio-cultural milieu of arts and education. Icy Simpson adeptly plays younger Barbara Smith Conrad in the movie, while Belafonte and Conrad herself appear in moving interview segments.

Furthermore, the film highlights the unyielding spirit and profound resilience of Barbara Smith Conrad, with her fight for equal opportunities, and how she managed to rise above the prejudices to create a remarkable career. She went on to perform with top-tier orchestras and opera venues around the world, becoming a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration for countless individuals.

The documentary is not just about Barbara Smith Conrad's hardships and her climb to the pinnacle of operatic success. It is a stark portrayal of the resilience of the human spirit. It displays how one can overcome adversity and emerge victorious, triumphs over injustice, and the fight against racial discrimination.

The director, Mat Hames, must be applauded for his sensitive and potent portrayal of a sensitive narrative. His sophisticated treatment of the subject complemented by the moving performances of the cast makes 'When I Rise' a noteworthy addition to the genre of socio-political documentaries.

'When I Rise' carries profound lessons about the nature of determination, the struggle for equality, and the power of music. It is timeless because the issues it presents are universal and perpetually vital. It is a stirring reminder of the history of race and the arts, and a heartbreaking glimpse into a talented woman's journey of resilience and her refusal to succit to an oppressive system.

The film is rich in archival photos and footage. The testimonies from Conrad's peers and mentors, including influential figures like Harry Belafonte, lend the narrative an impactful authenticity. Moreover, the interspersed musical interludes featuring Ms. Conrad's stunning vocal abilities offer the audience a chance to appreciate her vast talent that faced such a bitter struggle for recognition due to color alone.

All in all, 'When I Rise' is a moving tribute to a remarkable woman, whose courage and unbreakable spirit made her an icon. It is an exploration of racial discrimination, a celebration of resistance, and an ode to the transformative power of art and music. The film is not just a documentary; it is an exciting, educational, and deeply emotional journey that echoes the trials and triumphs of a true survivor, Barbara Smith Conrad.