A Note From the Director: Timothy Morton

For over fifteen years, I’ve sung this music and found myself drawn not only to its electrifying sound, but by the fellowship, the rituals, and the stories of the people who keep it alive. This film is my attempt to capture this living musical manifestation of the Sacred Harp tradition.

Over the course of production, I traveled to 15 states and Montreal, recording singings large and small. Midway through the process, I was granted access to a remarkable archive of never-before-seen footage: Sacred Harp singings and interviews filmed in 1982 by folklorist Alan Lomax. That material now forms a vital thread in the film’s story, connecting past and present.

Now, the film is nearly complete—and I need your help to bring it across the finish line.

Your contribution will help cover final sound mixing, color grading, archival licensing, and distribution. It will also help us share the film with the communities who shaped it, and with wider audiences through festivals, screenings, and educational programs.

If you’ve ever felt the power of voices joined in song—or the importance of preserving stories that might otherwise fade—I hope you’ll consider supporting Singing the Shapes.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and helping this music be heard.

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