The Apollo (2019 film)

The Apollo is a 2019 American documentary film directed by Roger Ross Williams. The film chronicles the history and cultural impact of the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York City.

The documentary utilizes archival footage, performance clips, and interviews to explore the Apollo's legacy as a vital performance venue for African American artists and its significance in shaping American culture. It highlights the theater's role in launching the careers of numerous legendary performers, from Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington to James Brown and Lauryn Hill.

Beyond its artistic contributions, The Apollo also delves into the theater's connection to the Harlem community and its evolution alongside the Civil Rights Movement. It examines the challenges the theater faced, including periods of financial struggle, and its subsequent revitalization.

The film also features behind-the-scenes footage of a contemporary production of Ta-Nehisi Coates's book Between the World and Me staged at the Apollo, offering a modern perspective on the ongoing relevance of the theater's mission.

The Apollo premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in April 2019 and was released on HBO later that year. The film received critical acclaim for its insightful portrayal of a landmark institution and its exploration of the intersection of art, culture, and social history.