AFI DOCS 2021

SUMMER OF SOUL (...OR WHEN THE REVOLUTION COULD NOT BE TELEVISED)

Expired June 28, 2021 3:59 AM
Already unlocked? for access
This program is eligible for audience awards! Unlock it to cast your vote.
Protected ContentThis content can only be viewed in authorized regions: United States of America.

Continue the conversation on DOCS Connect with filmmakers and audience members, here

In 1969, the same summer as Woodstock, another epic music festival – celebrating American music and African American history – took place in Harlem, New York. Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson makes his filmmaking debut with a documentary of never-before-seen concert footage from the Harlem Cultural Festival shot over 50 years ago.

Part concert film, part historical record, the documentary captures a joyful cultural moment in America that has been largely overlooked. Interviews with those who attended the event are deftly weaved with the festival performances from Stevie Wonder, Mahalia Jackson and Mavis Staples, Sly & the Family Stone, Nina Simone and others. The result is a captivating and thrilling celebration of Black culture and pride.

  • Year
    2021
  • Runtime
    117 minutes
  • Language
    English
  • Country
    USA
  • Director
    Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson
  • Producer
    Joseph Patel, Robert Fyvolent, David Dinerstein
  • Executive Producer
    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, Sheila Johnson, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson
  • Cinematographer
    Shawn Peters
  • Editor
    Joshua L. Pearson