I am delighted that there is a new documentary about one of my greatest literary heroes, Lorraine Hansberry and that it will premiere at the prestigious Toronto Film Festival on Friday, September 8, 2017. While she is best remembered for the groundbreaking play A Raisin in the Sun, her other work is also of enormous importance and insight and her too-short life was filled with struggle and triumph.

“Sighted Eyes|Feeling Heart,” from director Tracy Heather Strain, tells the story of Hansberry, iconic playwright, communist, feminist, lesbian, and outspoken trailblazer. It is narrated by LaTanya Richardson Jackson with Anika Noni Rose as the voice of Lorraine Hansberry. Fourteen years in the making, the film features interviews with some who worked with Hansberry and those who knew her best including Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, Harry Belafonte and Lorraine’s sister Mamie Hansberry.

“I am so delighted that “Sighted Eyes|Feeling Heart” is making its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival!,” says Strain. “It is a dream come true after so many of years of work on what is the first feature documentary about Lorraine Hansberry. She was a powerful chronicler of her times with a voice that resonates today. It is a perfect time to (re)introduce her to the world. I am grateful for the platform to share her story.”

The documentary will be broadcast on PBS in February 2018.