A household name among jazz fans, drummer Max Roach carved out an unparalleled seven-decade career as a musician—but he was also a fearless, uncompromising activist. Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes not only pays tribute to Roach’s groundbreaking bebop innovations and his legendary collaborations with his wife, Abbey Lincoln, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and many others, but also delves into his painful personal struggles and unwavering commitment to social justice and the fight against racism. Co-authored by filmmakers Sam Pollard and Ben Shapiro, this in-depth exploration of roach’s life and work interweaves archival footage of Roach’s iconic performances and interviews with Roach, his family, and admirers like Quincy Jones, Harry Belafonte, and Questlove, solidifying his legacy as one of the most influential figures in jazz history. PB

Filmmaker Q&A following screening