Grammy-Award-winning singer Gloria Gaynor was celebrated at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival with the premiere of the documentary Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive. The documentary which follows Gaynor who achieved massive success in the 1970s with her disco hit I Will Survive on her journey to making a musical comeback in the gospel music genre. The documentary was produced and directed by Betsy Schechter.
The documentary takes viewers on Gloria’s present-day journey while offering a look into Gaynor’s personal collection of archival photos and footage to help track the pivotal moments of Gaynor’s life, including never-before-seen super 8
mm movies of Gloria on the road from 1972-1976 during the early days of disco. Through 8 years of filming
we capture an incredible story made possible by Gloria’s faith, private philosophies, and life lessons. While exploring Gaynor’s musical journey, the documentary tackles Gaynor’s personal struggles which included the breakdown of her marriage, dealing with issues stemming from childhood abuse, financial ruin and her sister’s murder.
“I am finally at a place of joy and self-fulfillment, and I am ready to share my secret to not only “surviving
but thriving” with the world”, said Gloria Gaynor.
The recording sessions which took place that are documented in the film also show Gaynor working with a number of well renowned gospel artist which include Yolanda Adams, Jason Crabb and Bart Millard. The songs that were recorded were included on Gaynor’s album Testimony, which won a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album in 2020.
Following the first premiere screening of the documentary on Friday, Gaynor performed a few songs from Testimony which included Amazing Grace, as well as her 1970’s hits Never Can Say Goodbye and I Will Survive.