America Gets A New National Anthem In Tribeca Doc From Director Peter Nicks, Producer Ryan Coogler
By Matthew Carey
June 7, 2023
“The Star-Spangled Banner,” written by Francis Scott Key was adopted by Congress as the national anthem of the United States in 1931. But what if it’s time for a new anthem? And if we adopted a new one, what should it sound like?
Those intriguing questions underpin the documentary Anthem, making its world premiere Sunday evening at the Tribeca Festival. The film is directed by Peter Nicks (Homeroom, The Force) and produced by Nicks, Kris Bowers, Chris L. Jenkins, and Ryan Coogler (Black Panther, Creed). Executive producers are R.J. Cutler, Elise Pearlstein, Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian. We have your first look at the documentary in the trailer above.
“Anthem follows acclaimed composer Kris Bowers (Bridgerton, When They See Us, King Richard) and Grammy-winning music producer Dahi (Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar, Drake) as they take a musical journey traveling across America to create a new sound, inspired by what our country’s national anthem might be if written in today’s time,” notes a description of the documentary. “The duo’s road trip takes them through the country’s meccas of music, Detroit, home of the Motown sound; Clarksdale, the birthplace of the blues; Nashville, the country music capital of the world; New Orleans, where jazz flourishes; Tulsa, a hub of Native American music, culture, and dance; and San Francisco, where Latin American culture and activism thrive.”
The synopsis continues, “Bowers’ and Dahi’s travels lead to deeper discussions about race, history, and national identity, culminating with a recording of a new anthem that reflects the America we know and love today.”
Anthem will hold two additional screenings at Tribeca – on Tuesday, June 13 and Wednesday, June 14. The documentary will premiere later this month on Hulu.
Anthem marks the second documentary Nicks has premiered this year — both films produced by Coogler. Their film Stephen Curry: Underrated, about the Golden State Warriors superstar, made its debut in January at the Sundance Film Festival. Anthem comes from Proximity Media, a multimedia company founded by Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian, and co-founded by Ludwig Göransson, Archie Davis, and Peter Nicks.
In a statement, Ryan Coogler said, “Pete Nicks has created an incredible film that takes an honest and hopeful look at our country and what makes us unique through the lens of American music. Anthem asks a profound question of its subjects and chronicles their journey to finding a beautiful answer. We at Proximity couldn’t be prouder to have been involved and are so excited to celebrate following the premiere amongst the most forward-thinking and trailblazing names in music and entertainment.”
Proximity Media will be hosting its first ever Tribeca launch party following the Anthem premiere on June 11. “The event, in partnership with Onyx Collective, will be hosted by The Daily Show’s Roy Wood Jr., accompanied by a live Jam Session featuring executive producer and composer Kris Bowers, with performances led by Ray Angry (of the Roots) and the Council of Goldfinger,” according to a release. “The event will gather performing artists, industry creatives alongside artisans from across the musical spectrum—R&B, Hip-Hop, Rock, Jazz, Country, Blues—who are redefining American sound.” The launch party is being produced by industry vet Tina Farris.
The cast of Anthem includes Kris Bowers, Dahi, Ruby Amanfu, Charity Bowden, Joy Harjo, Cecilia Cassandra Peña-Govea. Watch the trailer for the documentary above.
