Story perspectives

Shirley Clarke's Final Film “Made in America” Spotlights Ornette Coleman

7/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

Filmmaker Shirley Clarke released her final documentary “Made in America,” profiling Ornette Coleman.
The film centers on Coleman’s 1983 Fort Worth concert where his orchestra, new to free jazz, opened a cultural center.
It mixes concert footage with reenactments of Coleman’s youth and includes commentary from ex-wife poet Jayne Cortez and son-drummer Denardo Coleman.
Ed Lachman handled cinematography for the documentary, which includes a satellite-linked performance called “The Link.”

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Story summary

Filmmaker Shirley Clarke released her final documentary “Made in America,” profiling Ornette Coleman.
The film centers on Coleman’s 1983 Fort Worth concert where his orchestra, new to free jazz, opened a cultural center.
It mixes concert footage with reenactments of Coleman’s youth and includes commentary from ex-wife poet Jayne Cortez and son-drummer Denardo Coleman.
Ed Lachman handled cinematography for the documentary, which includes a satellite-linked performance called “The Link.”