The cinema returns to UA Alicante with Little Richard I am everything in original version
A new documentary focused on the life of Richard Wayne Penniman, better known as Little Richard, arrives in Alicante. The film, directed by Lisa Cortés, presents a comprehensive portrait of a trailblazing musician who helped shape rock and roll. The screening was organized by the Cinema and Audiovisual Class at the University of Alicante and will showcase the director’s vision of the performer, songwriter, and pianist who left an indelible mark on music history.
The screening is scheduled for next Thursday, February 22, at 7 p.m. in Alicante City Center, located at Ramón y Cajal 4. This one-night premiere emphasizes that there is no planned theatrical release elsewhere in the state, making this a unique opportunity to see the documentary on the big screen. Admission is free, and seating is limited.
The cinema returns to the UA Headquarters in Alicante with its original version
Film
The documentary, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, delves into the roots of queer rock and roll and foregrounds Black influence by peeling away a whitewashed canon of American pop music to reveal the innovator Richard Penniman. Through a wealth of archives and performances, the film invites viewers into Little Richard’s complex inner world, tracing the arc of a life filled with creative breakthroughs, public triumphs, and private contradictions.
From start to finish, interviews with family members, fellow musicians, and scholars illuminate how Little Richard transformed an art form to express identity. The film shows a figure who gave the world more than he could ever give himself, spinning through a life like a top, balancing religious conviction, sexuality, and raw rock energy. The production partners include Bungalow Media + Entertainment and Rolling Stone Films for CNN Films and HBO Max, underscoring the project’s strong industry backing and global reach.
Lisa Cortes
Lisa Cortés stands as a respected director and producer whose work spans documentary storytelling and narrative features. Born in 1960 in Milford, Connecticut, Cortés spent formative years in Harlem, shaping a perspective that blends urban experience with a global lens. Her education includes American Studies, and her early career intertwined with the music industry, where collaborations with influential figures laid the groundwork for future film projects. Her professional path also crossed major labels and artists, contributing to a deep appreciation of culture, race, and representation.
Cortés later turned her attention to cinema, pursuing studies at the School of Visual Arts in New York and the New York Film Academy. Her collaboration with producer Lee Daniels helped propel projects that explored social themes and artistic innovation. Notable credits include several films that blend personal history with broader cultural narratives. Cortés eventually founded Cortés Movies, a company dedicated to bold storytelling across genres. Her portfolio includes ambitious documentaries and feature films, highlighting issues of identity, democracy, and artistic expression.