Black Cinema Series

Billy Preston: That’s The Way God Planned It

Screening and Discussion

Monday, June 29, 2026  | 7:00pm

Little Theatre 1 (240 East Ave.)
Doors open at 6:30pm

Standard ticket prices
Tickets available online in advance, at our box office during open hours, or at the door (if tickets remain).

Featuring never-before-seen archival footage, studio outtakes, and rare photos, Billy Preston: That’s the Way God Planned It is an exhilarating documentary about the legendary GRAMMY-winning musician. Preston was 5 years old when he backed gospel legend Mahalia Jackson, and over the following six-decade career, Billy contributed his signature sound to the greatest artists of his time, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Barbra Streisand, Sly Stone, Ray Charles, Rufus, Eric Clapton, and others, while establishing himself as an award-winning solo artist. Despite his success, Billy struggled to reconcile his deep relationship with the Black church with his sexuality, setting off a lifelong quest to find love and acceptance, explored in Emmy-winning director Paris Barclay’s documentary.

Black Cinema Series

The Little Theatre’s Black Cinema Series, presented in partnership with the Rochester Association of Black Journalists (RABJ), screens both scripted and non-fiction films about the Black experience. With an emphasis on contemporary independent films, the series highlights Black perspectives and filmmakers, with screenings and panel discussions with community experts and filmmakers. More details about the Black Cinema Series Browse all films in this series