JDIFF 2026 Selection Simon Estes: A Heart & A Voice Celebrates a Life of Music, Legacy, and Impact
At the 2026 Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, director Steven Schott presents Simon Estes: A Heart & A Voice, a biographical documentary chronicling the life and legacy of one of opera’s most groundbreaking voices.
The film traces the extraordinary journey of Simon Estes, an internationally acclaimed bass baritone who broke barriers for African American performers in opera, appearing in more than 100 roles across eighty four opera houses worldwide. Drawing from archival footage and more than sixty interviews, the documentary captures over six decades of music, faith, and humanitarian work.
The project began with Estes himself, who wanted his story preserved on screen. For Schott, the opportunity quickly became something more. “Simon is such an inspirational human being. He’s the first person I’ve met that actually lives his faith on a daily basis,” Schott says.
Rather than presenting a traditional chronological biography, the film blends personal storytelling with reenactments and musical performance, allowing Estes to narrate his own life. The result is an emotional and layered portrait that moves between moments of hardship, triumph, and reflection.
At its core, the documentary centers on a message Estes has carried throughout his life. “There is only one race, the human race. Get along, love the Lord and love one another,” Schott says, reflecting Estes’ words.
That philosophy anchors the film, which explores not only Estes’ rise in the opera world but also his experiences with racism, his commitment to teaching, and his ongoing humanitarian efforts.
The production itself was ambitious in scope. Filming took place across multiple states and internationally, with more than sixty hours of interviews shaped into a cohesive and engaging feature. The process required both logistical coordination and careful storytelling to balance performance footage, archival material, and personal accounts.
Despite its global reach, the film remains deeply connected to Iowa. Estes was born in Centerville, and much of the production involved local crews, locations, and collaborators. For Schott, who is also based in Iowa, that connection adds another layer of meaning to the film’s inclusion at JDIFF.
As one of the festival’s documentary selections, Simon Estes: A Heart & A Voice stands as both a celebration of artistic achievement and a reflection on resilience, identity, and purpose.
With its screening at JDIFF, the film brings Estes’ story back to the region where it began, offering audiences a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through talent, perseverance, and a commitment to something greater than oneself.
Find out more about the film www.aheartavoice.com and on social media:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579214817763
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/simonestessings/
