On what would have been Aretha Franklin’s 77th birthday, it would appear to be a no brainer to celebrate with a screening of the long-awaited documentary about the making of her 1972 seminal album Amazing Grace. In fact, her family has teamed with the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and Freep Film Festival to hold a screening tonight in Franklin’s hometown of Detroit. However, if Franklin were still alive, we aren’t sure she’d approve.

The “controversial” documentary, which captures a radiant, 29-year-old Franklin performing the songs from the Grammy Award-winning record in the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles over the course of two evenings, is captivating. There is already much reported as to why the film has taken over four decades to screen publicly. To briefly summarize, director Sydney Pollack was hired by Franklin’s record label, Warner Bros., to film the live recording. However, Pollack’s crew screwed up, royally. They didn’t use a clapperboard to synchronize the picture and sound at the beginning of each take, making the task of lining things up in the editing room nearly impossible. Pollack eventually shelved the project and locked away the footage.

Decades later, enter industrious producer Alan Elliott. Familiar with the project, Elliott began asking around, wondering what had become of the footage. Elliott connected with Pollack, and just prior to his death in 2008, the Tootsie director gave Elliott his blessing to complete the film.

But this was not the last hurdle Amazing Grace and Elliott would have to overcome. After finally getting the sound and picture synced and some festival screenings booked in 2015, the Queen of Soul blocked the film from premiering. Franklin sued Elliott and the court granted an injunction. After 43 years, the film was shelved again.

Late last year, the tides turned again. Franklin passed away in August 2018, and Sabrina Owens, her niece, became executor of her estate. After Owens and other members of Franklin’s family viewed the film, they decided it should be seen, widely. In November, Amazing Grace had its world premiere at DOC NYC, and subsequently, NEON picked it up for theatrical release. Amazing Grace opens in select theaters on April 5, 2019.

The question remains as to what Franklin would have wanted. Her family and Elliott believe she had nothing against the content of the film. Elliott is convinced that Franklin considered the documentary “as her ultimate eulogy,” which is why she didn’t want it screened until after her death.

As for the film, it’s magical. Franklin is in her prime but still seems nervous. She focuses on the task at hand, pouring her heart and soul into each song. The energy in the Los Angeles church is palpable. Members of the church’s choir and the live audience clap, holler, cry and leap to their feet as if possessed by a higher power. Pollack’s crew shot the documentary haphazardly, which adds to its appeal. The cameras are low to the ground, and as a result, it’s like the viewer is in the room, in the middle of the action. Pollack can be seen directing camera people to get shots, as the production crew runs in and out of the frame. There are also welcome cameos by Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts, as well as gospel singer Clara Ward, who all mingle with the crowd.

Amazing Grace opens at the Angelika Film Center on April 5, 2019. For additional information, visit the film’s website. The trailer is below.

To coincide with the film and Franklin’s birthday, Rhino Records released Amazing Grace: The Complete Recordings on vinyl. The 4LP set contains her full performance over the two evenings. It’s available for purchase here.