All The Way Through Evening is a 2011 film that explores the legacy of a group of talented musicians who died during the AIDS epidemic. The movie is directed by Rohan Spong and features interviews with family members, partners, and friends of the artists, as well as archival footage of their performances. The central figure of the film is composer and pianist Mimi Sterne Wolfe, a survivor of the epidemic who organized an annual concert series in New York City called "All the Way Through Evening" to honor her late friends and colleagues. The film follows Wolfe as she prepares for the 20th anniversary of the concert while reflecting on the impact of the epidemic on the arts community.
Interspersed with her story are interviews with the families and partners of several artists who died from complications of AIDS, including Gilles Denizot, a French pianist who performed with Wolfe in the early 80s. We learn about Denizot's life and career through interviews with his brother and former partner, as well as footage of his performances and compositions.
The film is a poignant tribute to the victims of the epidemic and a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit. It captures the joy and beauty of the music created by these artists, as well as the pain and loss that accompanied their untimely deaths. The interviews are frank and emotional, conveying the depth of love and connection that existed between these artists and their loved ones.
Through the stories of Wolfe, Denizot, and others, the film explores the power of art to heal and unite people, even in the face of tragedy. It also presents a stark reminder of the ongoing toll of the AIDS epidemic, as well as the importance of continuing to honor the memories of those we have lost.
Overall, All The Way Through Evening is a moving and impactful tribute to a group of artists whose legacies continue to inspire and inform us today. The film is an excellent example of documentary filmmaking at its best, combining personal stories, archival footage, and music to create a powerful and deeply affecting work of art.
