year. "Say Amen, Somebody" was funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities, National Endowment for the Arts, and the Missouri Arts Council. It debuted at the New York Film Festival on October 5, 1982 to a sold out audience, and opened in limited theaters in major cities on March 11, 1983. Restoration In 2019, Nierenberg supervised the restoration of the film, an effort funded by the Center for African American Media Arts, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Academy Film Archive, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Milestone Films, and the Robert F. Smith Fund. Rhea Combs of the Smithsonian commented that Nierenberg understood "the dynamics at play [in gospel music and churches] and he has a sensitivity to the story and the people – truly to the people – and respects them. And I think that that respect is then reflected in the way in which the film is produced and directed." She also remarked that much of the film's value lies in "passing the torch" from the older generation of singers to the new. Originally, Say Amen, Somebody was filmed in standard 4:3 aspect ratio. When restored, the aspect ratio became 16:9, making the visuals cleaner and brighter, and easier to see on televisions. The audio was also enhanced to Dolby surround sound 5.1. The restored version of Say Amen, Somebody debuted at Lincoln Center on September 6, 2019. Nierenberg told National Public Radio that the restoration looked "like a new film completely", and he is especially proud that "it will carry forward gospel music and allow people for generations to experience this music." He furthermore stated that he continues to receive comments from black Americans who have seen the film multiple times, and he is taken aback when they express how much it means to them. At the time of the film's release, he was unaware of its significance, and had no idea of its "true meaning". Music The soundtrack was initially issued as a double LP album containing twenty tracks, five of which were cut from the film. It was sold at theaters during original showings in 1982 and 1983. A second fifteen-track album was released in 1990. Reception Say Amen, Somebody earned widespread critical acclaim both in 1982 and following its restoration in 2019. Reviewers foremost expressed appreciation for the music, and they noted the repeated themes in