Alicia I love this movie so much

PodBill Just what I expected

CrawlerChunky In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

Tayloriona Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

CurtHerzstark The life and trials of Barbara Smith Conrad is a story I've never heard about before. In fact I'll go so far as to say that I never heard of her before or listen to her performances.Odd, since I like opera and don't mind listening to it.Barbara Smith Conrad is a African American woman who is/was musically gifted, starts interesting herself for opera and developing her skills as an mezzo-soprano.But the USA at this time, and in her state, Texas is racially segregated. When US supreme court rules that racial segregation is no longer allowed Barbara Smith Conrad gets accepted to Texas university.But when she gets the main part in an opera, playing the love affection opposite a white male lead her problems starts...Barbara Smith Conrads story is a documentary about injustice, racism, hatred, but also courage, integrity, friendship and overcoming adversities.Nowadays USA has a black president but once ethnical minorities of USA couldn't even eat at the same restaurants with white people. America has come a long way, but racism is still a problem not only in the USA but worldwide.Therefore these kind of docs are very important, not only as a historical document but also as an reminder that struggle against hatred, bigotry, continues.

Eryn Vogn Director Mat Hames and editor Sandra Guardado delicately captured the wonderful story of our heroine, her conflict, and triumphs in as graceful a manner as the subject herself. Barbara Smith Conrad's fluid and elegant nature innately captivates her audience right from the start.Live footage with a renowned superstar, mentor and supporter adds to the sweet pleasure of viewing this film. The beautiful, lush green Texas scenery and wholesome Center Point community creates a richly tasteful experience.When I Rise is a must see for music enthusiasts, arts and civil rights educators and students alike, with an unavoidable true to life message at its core.

Itwasbetterthancats When I Rise was beautiful and insightful. It made me think about what it means to be an artist and a policy maker. I cried about four times. Sometimes I was crying for Ms. Conrad, other times I was crying for the mistakes of our culture, sometimes I was crying because we've come so far, and other times I was crying because we have so far to go (see Tarleton State University cancels gay Jesus play, March 2010). When I Rise was beautifully filmed and directed. It provides exactly what a documentary is supposed to it. It lets the story tell itself, it touches your heart, and it calls you to action. I hope it gets a wide distribution, and soon!

alt0512 The life of Barbara Smith Conrad is one of courage, hope and love. This film tells her story through the struggle, disappointments, perseverance, and ultimate success of a girl whose love of music and hope for an education brought her to the University of Texas during the Civil Rights movement and placed her at the center of racial controversy in Texas.I saw this premiere at SXSW and a week later am still thinking about the importance of this story. Important because it documents an era in our history that should never be forgotten and important because it reminds us what can be achieved even against great odds.Mat Hames directed a beautiful film that draws you in not just with the story itself, but with the music, photography, interviews, original photos and film footage. I laughed, I cried, I felt shame for a time in our history, and I felt joy for the life of Barbara Smith Conrad. I loved this film - a perfect 10!!!