When I Rise is a feature-length documentary about Barbara Smith Conrad, a University of Texas music student who finds herself at the epicenter of racial controversy, struggling against the odds and ultimately ascending to the heights of international opera.

A gifted black music student at the University of Texas is thrust into a civil rights storm that changes her life forever. Barbara Smith Conrad is cast in an opera to co-star with a white male classmate, fueling a racist backlash from members of the Texas legislature. When Barbara is expelled from the cast, the incident escalates to national news, prompting unexpected support from a pop superstar.

This small-town girl, whose voice and spirit stem from her roots in East Texas, emerges as an internationally celebrated mezzo-soprano and headlines on stages around the world.  When I Rise is an inspirational journey toward finding forgiveness within oneself.

The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History presents an Alpheus Media production
in association with Allentown Productions “When I Rise” Original Music by David Hamburger
Edited by Mat Hames Sandra Guardado Director of Photography Wilson Waggoner
Co-Producers Ramona Kelly Alison Beck Executive Producer Don Carleton
Produced by James Moll Michael Rosen Directed by Mat Hames

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