https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYWlAiFypwo
Singing the Shapes: Songs of the Enduring Sacred Harp
Sacred Harp isn’t a performance—it’s a thunderous, communal eruption of sound. Singing the Shapes invites viewers into a living tradition, carried not by re-enactors but by everyday people singing some of the oldest songs still ringing in American life. The film explores what holds this community together—and why this music continues to matter.
Play Trailer
PROJECT CONTRIBUTION
ABOUT
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.
CHECK DONATIONS & FAQ
Please write the check out to “Louisville Film Society” with “Singing the Shapes: Songs of the Enduring Sacred Harp” in the memo line and mail it to the following address:
LFS Attention: FSP
PO Box 6088
Louisville, KY 40206
Is my donation tax-deductible?
"Singing the Shapes: Songs of the Enduring Sacred Harp" is backed by the Louisville Film Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations for it through the Society can be tax-deductible, as law permits. However, the deduction might be lessened by the fair market value of any rewards received, which will be outlined in your donation receipt.
Will I be charged right away for my donation?
Upon making a donation, LFS will process the payment using the credit card information provided at the moment of donation. This immediate transaction ensures your support is swiftly directed to Singing the Shapes: Songs of the Enduring Sacred Harp project. Please ensure your payment details are accurate to avoid any delays in contributing to this cause.
What personal information will be shared publicly or with the fundraiser?
For those preferring privacy, you have the option to donate anonymously by selecting this preference during the payment process. Please note, to ensure complete anonymity, you must choose to remain anonymous to both the LFS and the fundraiser. Failing to do so will mean your name and contact details could still be accessible to the fundraising team.
MEET THE ARTIST
Timothy Morton, Director/producer/camera/sound/editor
Tim Morton is a filmmaker and Sacred Harp singer based in Louisville, Kentucky. His work explores the intersections of music, community, and everyday people. He has starred in numerous locally produced films, including Men Go to Battle (2015, Tribeca winner), Pleased to Meet Me (2013), and Pilgrim Song (2012, SXSW competition). Singing the Shapes is Tim’s documentary directorial debut.
CONNECTION TO KENTUCKY
Tim Morton is a filmmaker and Sacred Harp singer based in Louisville, Kentucky.
