An award-winning documentary about gospel/soul music legend and civil rights icon Mavis Staples, and an acclaimed British drama, are to screen at the Weekend Film Series on Sunday, February 21.

Mavis!, screening at 5.15pm, won the Audience Award at the Mill Valley Film Festival in California.

With dynamic live performances, rarely seen archival footage and conversations with friends and collaborators like Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, Jeff Tweedy, Levon Helm, Chuck D, Al Bell, Julian Bond, Sharon Jones and more, the film reveals the struggles and successes of Ms Staples’ journey and that of her family group, the Staple Singers, said a spokesman for the Film Series. The film is rated ‘G’.

Screening at 3pm, 45 Years is “a richly intimate and explosive drama by director Andrew Haigh”. While preparing for their 45th anniversary, Kate and Geoff Mercer’s marriage is shaken with a discovery that calls into question the life they’ve built together. As the celebrations grow closer, they delve further into their past, leaving their future in question.

The film won the Best British Feature Film award at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, and was nominated for Best British Film at last week’s British Film Awards. The film is rated ‘R’.

The films will screen in the Tradewinds Auditorium of the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.

Tickets are on sale now at the Oceans Gift Shop, BUEI, or by calling 294-0204. Trailers of the films can be viewed at www.bermudadocs.com.