Directors: Andrew Elizaga, Tia Young Producer: Tia Young
Description:
Patrinell: The Total Experience is a feature-length independent documentary film about Rev. Patrinell “Pat” Staten Wright, an extraordinarily gifted African-American gospel singer who grew up in the segregated South and now strives to maintain the world-famous Total Experience Gospel Choir that she has directed for forty-five years in the rapidly changing, historically black neighborhood of Seattle’s Central District. This is the true story of one woman’s journey to share faith and create community through music.
Biography:
Tia Young is a Seattle native who joined the Total Experience Gospel Choir as a young girl in 1975. Through the choir she made new friends, learned about African American culture, and traveled for first time. The experience opened her eyes to the possibilities of the world and showed her true friendship within the unity of gospel music: “Throughout all the music, choreography, and performances, I learned the art of giving your best in all you do through true discipline and dedication.” Patrinell: The Total Experience is Tia’s directorial debut.
Andrew Elizaga spent his teenage years reading Film Comment magazine and skipping school to watch films in Seattle’s art house cinemas. His documentary filmmaking career grew out of making short videos about sea kayaking, wooden boatbuilding, and traditional arctic kayaks.
