THE STORY OF THE OAKLAND INTERFAITH GOSPEL CHOIR
As a country challenges a cycle of division and exclusion, a choir sings with one voice, defining diversity in profound ways and using the tradition of Black gospel music to unify.
“Our country and the world need to see that people that are not alike can do something beautiful together.”
~ Terrance Kelly
ONE VOICE Official Trailer
One Voice delves into the lives of Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir members and artistic director Terrance Kelly. This film illuminates a group of people from diverse faiths, races, genders, socioeconomic backgrounds, and lifestyles, all with a common goal: to bring joy and inspiration to the stage through black gospel music. By coming from a place of inclusion and acceptance, choir members are able to bridge their differences, embracing the celebrations and challenges that arise along the way.
Gospel music is a rich tradition born from the African-American spiritual during America's slavery period and the civil rights movement. Slaves used gospel music to cope with the misery of bondage – civil rights activists sang gospel music to urge action and find courage. In the midst of a country that again finds itself grappling with issues of race, gender equality, and intolerance, a group in Oakland, California, continues the rich historical tradition of using music to promote peace, love, and acceptance.
With a rich history that spans three decades, OIGC has inspired audiences all over the world. The choir delivers its world-class music across the globe, thrilling concert attendees at renowned venues such as the Montreux Jazz Festival and the Molde International Jazz Festival. Yet it stays true to its Oakland roots, lifting the spirits of the homeless, elderly, and inmates throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. From its humble beginning to OIGC’s 30th-anniversary celebration on the historic Paramount Theatre stage, this choir continues to circulate musical excellence through the manifestation of One Voice.
“I hope this documentary helps open up the eyes of so many people and maybe helps communities set up more opportunities such as this to bring communities closer.”
~ Student response
Screenings
Host A Screening
When you sign up to host a screening, OIGC will provide you with the film (if you don’t already have one), an event toolkit, and photos, biographies, etc. for use in promotional efforts when asked. We will also list your screening on the One Voice website and social media accounts to support your screening.
Educational and School-based screenings in Oakland are provided free of charge. We ask that individual and organization screening hosts agree to support OIGC by contributing at least 50% of proceeds to the choir. OIGC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and all contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Watch
“To see such unabashed positivity in a group of people feels oddly rare in this day and age, and together with the heavenly, reassuring gospel music, I certainly left the viewing with a renewed understanding of the importance of community and belonging.”
~ Student response
Press
Former Helenan directs film about Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir
Helena Independent Record - Dec 19, 2019
It’s More Than Religion: “One Voice” showcases Oakland gospel choir
The Daily Californian - Apr 30, 2019Oakland gospel choir spreads message of unity through holidays, and around the world
Mercury News - Nov 27, 2018Recap: Mill Valley Film Festival 2018
REELYDOPE - Oct 26, 2018Vallejo A&E Source: Gospel choir subject of documentary
Times Herald - Oct 2, 2018Mill Valley Film Fest 2018: Your guide to the films to catch
The Mercury News - Oct 2, 2018Cool Films in Mill Valley Film Fest
For All Events - Oct 2018
“I love this movie, for it made a full grown man cry, truly beautiful movie. Thank you.”
~ Student response
Crew
director SPENCER WILKINSON
executive producer MARY FORD
co-producers JED RIFFE & OAKLAND INTERFAITH GOSPEL CHOIR
editors JESSE ANDREW CLARK & ANGELA REGINATO
finishing editor MAUREEN GOSLING
assistant editors TIFFANY MASCARENHAS, APRIL SHORT
colorist DARREN HARTMAN
archivist MARLENE ‘MO’ MORRIS
animation STEFAN GUSTAFSSON
original compositions TERRANCE KELLY
additional compositions JAY WILLIAMS
audio post-production IMRSV SOUND and BERKELEY SOUND ARTISTS
color post-production CHROMACOLOR
lead cinematographer SPENCER WILKINSON
special cinematographer DEMONDRE WARD
contributing cinematographers ISA S. CHU, AYSE GÜRSÖZ, KORISE JUBERT, NICK KASIMATIS, MARIA LONG
marketing manager ISA S. CHU
Film Info
Country: United States
Year: 2018
Total Running Time: 61 min.
Print Source: Jed Riffe Films
Media Inquiries
media@oigc.org
510-839-4361