Atlanta, GA – In a deeply intimate and evocative new documentary, Sunset and the Mockingbird, the life and legacy of jazz legend Junior Mance is brought to the screen through the lens of his most enduring partnership—his marriage to Gloria Clayborne Mance. More than just a music documentary, Sunset and the Mockingbird is a moving tribute to love, memory, and the lasting rhythm of a shared life.
Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Jyllian Gunther (The New Public, Pull Out), the film spans over a decade of vérité footage, interwoven with archival photos and excerpts from Gloria’s personal journals. At its heart, this is Gloria’s story—a story of devotion and resilience, as she navigates the joys and challenges of loving a man whose identity is inseparable from his music.
From Junior’s prolific career playing alongside jazz giants like Dizzy Gillespie, Cannonball Adderley, and Dinah Washington, to the quiet, tender moments that followed his dementia diagnosis, Sunset and the Mockingbird delicately balances the weight of legacy with the beauty of the everyday. The result is a film that transcends the standard biographical documentary, offering instead a portrait of caregiving, aging, and the unshakable bond between two people united by melody.
Following a sold-out premiere at the True/False Film Festival, where it was praised for its emotional honesty and artistic grace, the film continues its festival circuit with a highly anticipated screening at the Atlanta Film Festival on April 27 at 3:30 PM at the Tara Auditorium.
Critics have lauded the documentary for its unique perspective and subtle storytelling:
“Sunset and the Mockingbird shines in its artful restraint. Mance’s stardom never lingered in the film. Instead, his relationship with music is presented as something deeply personal… The loss of his ability to play is portrayed not as a tragedy for society, but as an intimate experience for him and those closest to him.”
– Macy Craig, The Maneater
“We were immediately taken with Gloria and Junior. The use of archive is beautifully done, and it adds wonderful depth to visually see them through the years.”
– True/False Programmers
With her signature compassion and insight, Gunther invites viewers into the private world of a couple who found harmony not only in the music they loved, but in the quiet perseverance of their shared life. Sunset and the Mockingbird is a must-see for jazz aficionados, documentary fans, and anyone who has ever witnessed the transformative power of love through the lens of art.
For more information on screening times and tickets, visit the Atlanta Film Festival’s official website.
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