Film
Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)
Making his filmmaking debut, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson presents a powerful and transporting documentary—part music film, part historical record—about an epic event in Black history, culture, and fashion. Over the course of six weeks in the summer of 1969, just 100 miles south of where Woodstock was taking place, the Harlem Cultural Festival was filmed in Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park). The footage was never seen and largely forgotten—until now.
Summer of Soul shines a light on the importance of history to our spiritual well-being and stands as a testament to the healing power of music during times of unrest—both past and present. Featuring never-before-seen concert performances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly & the Family Stone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Mahalia Jackson, B.B. King, the 5th Dimension, and many others. Winner of both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
Leadership support for BAM Access Programs provided by the Jerome L. Greene Foundation.
Leadership support for BAM Film provided by the Ford Foundation and The Thompson Family Foundation
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