Lena Waithe Boards Elegance Bratton’s Documentary ‘Move Ya Body: The Birth of House’ as Executive Producer (EXCLUSIVE)

Emmy-winning writer, producer and actor Lena Waithe has signed on to executive produce the documentary feature “Move Ya Body: The Birth of House” from filmmaker Elegance Bratton.

The film documents a group of friends out of the underground dance clubs on the South Side of Chicago as they turn a new sound into a global movement. In the chaos of Disco Demolition Night at Comiskey Park, a teenage usher named Vince Lawrence witnessed the fiery backlash against disco—a sound that defined freedom and pride. Undeterred by the hostility, Vince used his earnings to buy a synthesizer, setting in motion a journey that would change music forever.

“I am incredibly grateful for Lena’s support as we continue to bring the story and music of ‘Move Ya Body’ to audiences,” said Bratton. “Lena has an undeniable love for storytelling, music and dance which mirrored the vision we had when we set out to share the story of this community, and she continues to bring fresh and passionate ideas to the project.”

Waithe added, “I’m so honored to amplify this film about house music and to stand behind Elegance, who is a fantastic filmmaker with a bright future ahead.”

Earlier this year, the film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival and most recently played at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 13.

The documentary is produced by Chester Algernal Gordon and Bratton. Kati Davenport serves as line producer.

Additional executive producers include Roger Ross Williams, Vince Lawrence, Geoff Martz, Siobhan Sinnerton, Johnny Webb, Hillary Clinton, Chelsea Clinton, Jeffrey Soros, Andrew Blau, Luke Rodgers, Rick Rosenthal, Nancy Stephens, Geralyn White Dreyfous, Nina Fialkow, David Fialkow, Bill Harnisch, Ruth Ann Harnisch, Adam Lewis, Melony Lewis, Katrina vanden Heuvel, Meadow Fund, Lauren Haber, Kelsey Koenig, Brenda Robinson, Regina K. Scully, David Magdael and Sam Branson.