State of the Unity is an award-winning uplifting documentary that explores one simple question, is unity possible? In 2016, during one of the most polarizing elections in American history Brooklyn-based husband-wife band The Bergamot (Jillian Speece and Nathaniel Hoff) hit the road.
Speece and Hoff’s goal was to see if unity in America is possible and if we could create a more peaceful union through the power of music, community and collaboration.
What ensued over the next eight months is a heartwarming tale of human perseverance, empathy and understanding.
Over the course of the 50 State tour Speece and Hoff performed over 264 shows, met thousands of Americans and invited everyone they met to ink their message of unity on The Unity Car.
It was in this daily practice of performing, connecting and listening to one another that they realized how powerful music, community and collaboration can be in creating a more positive and united culture.
State of the Unity reminds us that hope for a better future is possible when we open our hearts, embrace empathy and each other through the power of art. This inspiring film shows that a little kindness can go a long way transforming communities for the better.
AWARDS
Excellence in Filmmaking Award, Sedona International Film Festival
Grand Jury Award, Las Cruces International Film Festival
Best Documentary, Paris International Film Festival
Audience Choice Award, Montauk Film Festival
Artistic Pioneer Award, Richmond International Film Festival
Best Documentary, Swedish International Film Festival
Best Documentary Feature, Las Cruces International Film Festival
Howard Hawks Excellence in Filmmaking Award, RiverBend International Film Festival
Award Winner, Knoxville Film Festival
American Independent Film Festival
Best Documentary Feature, Allentown International Film Festival
Visions Award, Utopian Film Festival
Best Directors of a Feature Documentary, DocuFest
Best Documentary, Art Film Awards
Best Feature All Genres, Medusa Film Festival
Best Feature Film, NYC Independent Film Festival
Best Feature Documentary, Boden International Film Festival
Best Documentary, Multi Dimension Independent Film Festival
Best Feature Documentary, Cult Movies International Film Festival
Best Feature Documentary, New York Odyssey Film Festival
Currently division is the greatest threat to American Democracy. We believe art can be a catalyst in creating a more unified country.
Press
STATE OF THE UNITY
STATE OF THE UNITY
State of the Unity was soooo good!! I’m so proud of you / your work! You both deserve all the flowers for bringing that joy to people across the country. What a gift.
- Kathleen & Jordan Nay (San Francisco, CA)
What people are saying about State of the Unity
I just finished watching State of the Unity and it was one of the most, absolutely refreshing things I’ve ever watched. I told my Mom to watch it and 45 minutes in she called me to say that she loves it and already found you on Apple Music lol. Thanks for sharing this with me, it put a big smile on my face. -- Trey (Indianapolis, IN)
Wow…I can not adequately express how deeply moved I was by your story. Your message is desperately need through our country. May God Bless you as you move forward with your film.
- Georgene Kestner (Indianapolis, IN)
I just watched State of the Unity and gave it an A... both for you and your documentary as it absolutely inspired me to be my best version of myself as possible. Thank you for your hearts, your talent, your vision, and the drive it took to bring it to this point. You are remarkable people. - Beth North (South Bend, IN)
I watched your documentary with my family and they loved it, we absolutely adored it. It’s one of those films you watched that really makes you think and it stays with you. We were all very impressed by the quality of it and the message. We come from a family of thinkers and some of the points that were made were really fresh and just inspiring. - Jess Luoma (Redding, CA)
I just watched your video and your film is… POWERFUL… The Bergamot is UNSTOPPABLE… so proud of you both and Shine ON!!! The smiles in this film were contagious!
- Carol Vona Richiusa (New Jersey)