A fan’s portrait of the singer and musician Billy Paul, this documentary by a Swedish team brings Continental appreciation to a quintessentially American story.

Loose in structure, the film is based around the crew’s travels with Billy Paul as he tours the world. Though he is well into his seventies he’s still got it, and there are some great live performances as well as more intimate, unrehearsed improvisatory singing.

The other threads of the story – making it as a Black man in America, making it in the cutthroat music industry, dealing with drug addiction and infidelity – are handled by Billy Paul with the candor and grace that is earned with age. Equally as compelling is his wife, manager, and life partner Blanche Williams, who has been by his side through it all. Fans such as Questlove add more measured commentary and some comic relief.

Overall the film is a bit rambling and slow, and it lacks a decisive narrative. But the music buffs in the audience didn’t seem to mind, and everyone grooved to his iconic Me & Mrs. Jones. We were lucky enough to see a 35mm print, which added luscious shadowy tones and a seventies flair to the film’s look (supplemented by archival footage). I’m not sure how the film will translate on a smaller, digitized screen, but I guess that’s my reward for trekking out to BAM (smile).

Watch the trailer for Am I Black Enough for You?