A New Documentary About
Sister Gertrude Morgan

God told her to start and stop.  The film, Thank you, Sister explores the life, music, and art of Sister Gertrude Morgan. She is described as a magnetic presence, a black woman wielding her tambourine, paint brush and fierce voice to spread her singular message in New Orleans. She stands as an anomaly amongst those legendary artists who’ve performed at the famed Preservation Hall and at the art galleries of Larry Borenstein in the French Quarter. But ultimately, her work centers around her Everlasting Gospel Mission in the lower ninth ward. This is where she held court. A site of pilgrimage for believers and non-believers alike. By 1973 she had recorded an album, was a fixture at the burgeoning Jazz and Heritage festival, was an inspiration to artists like Andy Warhol and Lee Friedlander, and included in National exhibitions. Her work holds its own in the galleries of major art institutions, but who is Sister Gertrude? Who lies beneath the myths?  Who is this spiritual nurse?

The film will feature original interviews with Ben Jaffe, King Britt, William Fagaly, Sacha Clay-Borenstein… among many more. Our vision is to rediscover Sister’s voice amongst all the other voices that surround her. The film seeks to find a Sister and question the nature of truth, art, and identity. 

Photo Courtesy of Guy Mendes