For decades, Philadelphia music educator Lovett Hines quietly shaped generations of artists from behind the scenes, nurturing creativity, discipline, individuality and community through music education. Now at 80 years old, his influence continues to ripple across stages, classrooms and cultures through the students and mentees whose lives he helped transform.

Blending intimate conversation, performance, archival elements and reflections from acclaimed artists including Christian McBride, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Bilal and Robert Glasper, The Philadelphia Sensei: Lovett Hines explores the enduring impact of a Black mentor whose classroom became a launching ground for artistic excellence, self-discovery and cultural legacy.

At its heart, the film is a meditation on mentorship, lineage and the often unseen architects behind transformative art.