Festivals - Sundance Film Festival 2021 : Summer of soul (…or, when the revolution could not be televised) will have its world premiere

By Mulder, 04 january 2021

In 1969, during the same summer as Woodstock, a different music festival took place 100 miles away. More than 300,000 people attended the summer concert series known as the Harlem Cultural Festival. It was filmed, but after that summer, the footage sat in a basement for 50 years. It has never been seen. Until now.

Summer Of Soul is a stunning unearthed treasure destined to become a pillar of American music and African American history. In his striking debut as a filmmaker, the legendary musician Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson presents this transporting documentary—part concert film, part historical record—about an epic event that radiated the wholesale reevaluation of Black history, culture, fashion, and music. This rich tapestry deftly incorporates an unforgettable musical revue that includes many rare gems, such as a Stevie Wonder drum solo and a duet between Mahalia Jackson and Mavis Staples. 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.

Synopsis :
Summer Of Soul (...Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised) is a feature documentary about the legendary 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival which celebrated African American music and culture, and promoted Black pride and unity.

Summer of soul (…or, when the revolution could not be televised) (USA)
Directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson
Produced by David Dinerstein, Robert Fyvolent, Joseph Patel
Executive Producers : Jen Isaacson, Jon Kamen, Dave Sirulnick, Jody Allen, Ruth Johnston, Rocky Collins, Jannat Gargi, Beth Hubbard, Davis Guggenheim, Laurene Powell Jobs, Jeffrey Lurie, Marie Therese Guirgis, David Barse, Ron Eisenberg, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Sheila Johnson
Co-Executive Producers : Jonathan Silberberg, Nicole Stott
Cinematography : Shawn Peters
Edited by Joshua L. Pearson
Distributed by MASS DISTRACTION MEDIA
Release date : January 29, 2021 (Sundance)
Running time : 117 minutes

Premiere : jan. 29 - 4:00am // Second screening : jan. 30 - 4:00pm (local time)

(Source : press release)