Clarence B. Jones, known as 'The Baddest Speechwriter of All,' continues to inspire in the documentary.

      Clarence B. Jones, the attorney and writer who played a vital role in helping Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. secure numerous achievements in the Civil Rights Movement, passed away this year at the age of 95. However, his legacy continues through "The Baddest Speechwriter of All," a new documentary co-directed by NBA champion Stephen Curry and Oscar-winning filmmaker Ben Proudfoot, which received an enthusiastic response at the Woods Hole Film Festival on Saturday.

      Jones' son, Ben Jones, was present to discuss the film and commemorate his father's legacy. He mentioned that sharing the film with audiences assists him in processing his father's death, which occurred on May 22 at the age of 95.

      “It’s been really beneficial, and its impact grows over time,” Ben Jones told MovieMaker immediately after he and the film were given a standing ovation. “This kind of community support and activities like this truly aid in the grieving process.”

      While he spoke, an old acquaintance from the audience approached to reconnect. Ben Jones has strong ties to Massachusetts and Woods Hole: as a child, he visited the picturesque Cape Cod village to see the renowned deep-sea submersible Alvin, operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. In his early teenage years, he traveled to Martha’s Vineyard, just a ferry ride from Woods Hole, and witnessed the filming of Jaws.

      The beloved Steven Spielberg film, still cherished today, highlights the lasting impact of cinema. Jones hopes that his father's legacy will similarly engage new audiences for years to come, courtesy of The Baddest Speechwriter of All.

      Ben Jones revealed that the film's inception occurred when his father delivered motivational talks to Curry’s team, the Golden State Warriors. After hearing his father's stories, many suggested he should be the focus of a documentary.

      “And sure enough, Stephen Curry made that happen,” Ben Jones remarked.

      Curry collaborated with two-time Oscar-winning documentarian Proudfoot to direct the project.

      “The Baddest Speechwriter of All” employs several recurring themes — a spiral staircase, Jones’ background as a jazz clarinetist, a promissory note — to artfully convey Jones’ motivations and highlight significant moments throughout his inspiring, impactful life.

      The film is organized around an interview with Clarence B. Jones himself, conducted during his 92nd year, where audiences can hear Curry intermittently pose — and respond to — questions from off-screen.

      Ben Jones stated that his father was pleased with the process and glad that people can continue to learn about the history he contributed to.

      “I was fortunate enough to spend considerable time with my dad, especially in his final months and weeks, and I know that during that period he was reflecting on his life, contemplating the current state of the country, and thinking about the future… he always aimed to do what was right and impart the correct messages,” Ben Jones shared. “He recognized that through the power of cinema and digital media, his life could have an unlimited and truly enduring legacy.”

      Later, he added: “I was there when he passed. He is excited that his story will endure through time. He is thrilled.”

      During a Q&A session, Ben Jones was asked about his father's choice to remain largely in the background throughout his life. He pointed out that one does not need to be in the limelight to effect positive change, and that everyone has a role to play.

      “You don’t have to be front and center to make a significant impact,” he stated. “You can be part of the team.”

      You can find more about the Woods Hole Film Festival here and follow our coverage of the festival here.

      The Baddest Speechwriter of All will be available for streaming on Netflix later this year.

      Main image: Clarence B. Jones, the baddest speechwriter of all. Netflix