A Master of Fine Arts thesis film project (New York University Graduate Institute of Motion Picture and Television Production, 1975), The Edification of Weldon Irvine is a 60-minute, 16mm documentary of the jazz musician and playwright. Produced, written, directed and edited by Collis Davis, the film takes the audience through a journey in the life of Irvine from his childhood days in Virginia to the late ‘70s in New York.

The Edification of Weldon Irvine portrays the struggle of a young African-American to attain some measure of  peace of mind amidst a troubled family background, a turbulent adolescence, and a mercurial professional career with RCA Records. A childhood playmate of the filmmaker, Weldon talks about growing up in Hampton, Virginia, his fascination with weapons, his mentors such as songstress, Nina Simone, for whom he served as musical director, personal discipline as an artist and as a professional gambler, and his quest for inner enlightenment. For more detail on Weldon Irvine’s life, please click here for an article written by Collis Davis for the Program Booklet of the 41st Hampton Jazz Festival of 2008.

Throughout the documentary, Weldon is seen in performance at New York's well-known jazz club, The Village Gate, a studio solo piano performance, and a rousing song and dance number from his musical, "To Be Young, Gifted and Broke". Additionally, there is a audio performance of the Hampton University choir singing Weldon's arrangement of the Negro Spiritual, " I Feel Like a Motherless Child" edited to a montage of a Charles White mural, "The Contribution of the Negro to Democracy in America", and historical still photographs taken at the University. A review of The Edification of Weldon Irvine can be read at the following web site: http://www.jazzsociety.ph/html/reviewarchive10.html

The Edification of Weldon Irvine DVD ($20 + shipping) is available for purchase from the filmmaker, Collis Davis.

The payment method of choice is PAYPAL as you get your order turned around within the shortest amount of time. Shipping & Handling from Manila, Philippines for up to two DVDs is $5.00. Delivery takes about 8-10 days. If using PAYPAL.COM, click the button above, login and click the Send Money tab and use the following email address:
 
       chdavisjr@pldtdsl.net

Personal checks are accepted but will delay your order considerably until said check clears Chase Bank in Columbus, OH bank. Send checks made payable to: COLLIS DAVIS, 4322 Kenmont Pl., Columbus, OH 43220.

If people want to group their orders, money can be saved on shipping and one group payment can be made. Depending on the number of DVDs being purchased, write me and I will determine what the shipping cost will be for three or more discs in a package. My cell telephone in Philippines:

63-918-925-1507

Price: $20 U.S. or 835 Philippine Pesos. Shipment locally is 100 PhP For Philippine-based orders, call 567-4351 in Manila.

Thank you!