The Sound They Tried to Silence Returns

Read Time:4 Minute, 36 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Have You Heard Judi Singh?
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 1h 19m
Director(s): Baljit Sangra
Where to Watch: world premiere at the 2025 DOXA Documentary Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: This documentary is a celebration as much as it is a moving reminder—an engaging rediscovery of an artist whose presence, until now, had faded quietly into obscurity. HAVE YOU HEARD JUDI SINGH? unearths the story of Judi Singh, an Edmonton-based jazz vocalist whose dual cultural heritage profoundly influenced her artistic journey. Through a blend of archival materials, moving reenactments, and intimate reflections, the film creates an inviting and heartfelt portrait, proving that the stories we overlook can sometimes resonate the most.

Director Baljit Sangra guides us through Singh's life, beginning with a depiction of her early influences. Raised in a home where diverse musical traditions, from Indian classical to gospel, filled the air, Singh developed a vocal style steeped in emotional authenticity and refined control. This foundational environment becomes a subtle yet persistent thread, allowing the viewer to appreciate Singh’s later artistic choices and her powerful, nuanced performances. Without heavy-handed exposition, the film successfully conveys how her diverse upbringing shaped her musical identity.

Singh’s early career began with an impressive debut at Edmonton’s Yardbird Suite, a legendary jazz venue. Rather than merely checking off boxes on her career timeline, the documentary takes care to capture the spirit of this moment—the charisma, ambition, and raw talent that define her. The director refrains from idealizing this phase of Singh's life, instead grounding it in tangible, lived experiences. We witness not only her strengths as a performer but also the professional and personal trials she endured, particularly during her relationship with jazz guitarist Lenny Breau. This choice maintains the film’s authenticity, enhancing its emotional impact.

The storytelling style employed here deserves commendation for its innovative and thoughtful structure. The narrative mirrors the improvisational essence of jazz itself, shifting between different periods in Singh’s life. This approach provides a rich emotional depth, paralleling the artistry at its heart. It also allows the documentary to break from conventional norms, keeping viewers engaged by constantly shifting perspectives and inviting a more active viewing experience.

Integral to the documentary’s success is the narrative of Singh’s daughter, Emily Hughes, who explores her mother's legacy both literally and figuratively. Hughes’ journey brings an essential human dimension, as viewers join her in unpacking her mother's belongings—each object sparking a deeper inquiry into their shared past. This choice steers clear of detached objectivity, instead highlighting the connection between the artist and the audience, as well as the mother and daughter. It’s an effective storytelling technique, bringing Singh’s legacy into clearer focus through the emotional depth of familial bonds.

The film’s visuals evoke Singh’s era, bringing viewers into jazz clubs and performance spaces of mid-century Canada. Blended archival footage complements reenacted scenes, ensuring historical context feels immersive rather than academic. The synchronization of visuals and music showcases thoughtful directorial choices, demonstrating Sangra’s sensitivity to mood and atmosphere. This pairing lends resonance and authenticity to the storytelling, enabling viewers to connect with Singh’s world on an emotional level.

The documentary excels by addressing the issues of representation and visibility in the arts. Rather than simply lamenting Singh’s lack of recognition, it challenges viewers to reflect on why some artists gain lasting fame while others fade unnoticed. The director’s empathetic treatment of this topic underscores its ongoing relevance and urgency, advocating for proactive efforts to recognize artists during their lifetimes rather than posthumously. This critical perspective enriches the viewing experience, adding depth and contemporary relevance.

Ultimately, this is not merely a recounting of a forgotten musician’s life. Instead, it is an inspiring reflection on legacy and recognition, highlighting how easily cultural institutions can overlook contributions. The film’s balance of introspection and celebration delivers a compelling message about the need to reevaluate whose voices are continuously amplified. Through its innovative storytelling and depth, this documentary encourages viewers to adopt a more inclusive and reflective understanding of artistic legacy. It successfully revives Judi Singh’s story, reaffirming the vital importance of voices that history often neglects.

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