The Philadelphia Sensei: Lovett Hines
For decades, Philadelphia music educator Lovett Hines quietly shaped generations of artists from behind the scenes, nurturing creativity, discipline, individuality and community through music education. Now at 80 years old, his influence continues to ripple across stages, classrooms and cultures through the students and mentees whose lives he helped transform.
Blending intimate conversation, performance, archival elements and reflections from acclaimed artists including Christian McBride, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Bilal and Robert Glasper, The Philadelphia Sensei: Lovett Hines explores the enduring impact of a Black mentor whose classroom became a launching ground for artistic excellence, self-discovery and cultural legacy.
At its heart, the film is a meditation on mentorship, lineage and the often unseen architects behind transformative art.
Screenings
Virtual
Directors Spotlight
Donn Thompson Morelli (“Donn T”)
Director
Donn T is a Philadelphia-based music artist, producer, filmmaker, and National Trustee of The Recording Academy. Her collaborators include Jill Scott, The Roots, Esperanza Spalding, Bilal, and J. Ivy. The Philadelphia Sensei: Lovett Hines marks her directorial debut. Her work bridges music, storytelling, advocacy, and cultural preservation.
- Year
- 2025
- Runtime
- 22 minutes
- Country
- United States
- Language
- English
- Director
- Donn Thompson Morelli ( "Donn T" )
- Producer
- Donn Thompson Morelli ( "Donn T" )
- Executive Producer
- Donn Thompson Morelli ( "Donn T" )
- Cast
- Christian McBride, Lovett Hines, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Joey DeFrancesco, J. Michael Harrison, Brooke DeFrancesco, Bilal Oliver, Robert Glasper, Derrick Hodge, Justin Faulkner, Immanuel Wilkins
- Cinematographers
- Tom Contarino/Y48 Studios, Whitney Thomas
- Editors
- Tom Contarino/Y48 Studios, Mark Miller/Y48 Studios, Assistant Editor - Ben Mester
- Sound Design
- Voiceover Engineer - Jake Morelli
- Animator
- Jeff Manning (Graphic Artist)
- Premiere
- World