Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)

About Summer of Soul

"Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)" is a 2021 documentary film that takes a detailed look into the Harlem Cultural Festival that took place in the summer of 1969. The festival, also known as "Black Woodstock," was a monumental event that celebrated African American music and culture, and promoted Black pride and unity during a crucial period of racial tensions in America. The film, directed by Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, interweaves historical context and points of view from attendees to create a vibrant, emotional, and politically charged narrative of this largely forgotten event in history.

Making / Production

"Summer of Soul" is Questlove's directorial debut. The found footage was shot by Hal Tulchin, a television producer, who recorded a comprehensive record of the festival. However, no media company expressed interest in his 40 hours of footage until 50 years later, when producers David Dinerstein and Robert Fyvolent discovered it whilst researching the era. The film cleverly blends Tulchin's footage with contemporary interviews to evoke the event's emotions and political implications.

Actors / Participants

• Stevie Wonder: Provides an energetic drum solo that sets the tone for the festival.
• Nina Simone: Delivers an emotionally charged performance and a powerful call to awareness and action.
• Mavis Staples and Mahalia Jackson: Provide a riveting gospel duet, illustrating the deeply woven history of gospel music and civil rights.
• Gladys Knight & The Pips: Show their singing prowess in a powerful performance.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The Harlem Cultural Festival was largely forgotten in comparison to Woodstock, despite having a larger audience.
• The festival was held the year following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
• A number of performances from the festival, like the Motown group "5th Dimension", are reconstructed in the documentary.

Awards

The documentary won both the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award in the US Documentary Competition at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival - a testament to its cultural relevance and impact.

Quotes

• "You could feel the love in the air. It was like the world was changing." - Attendee of the Harlem Cultural Festival
• "This festival was the best thing to happen in my life." – Musa Jackson

Music / Soundtrack

• Numerous Soul, R&B, and Gospel greats performed at the festival, and their dynamic performances form the soundtrack of the documentary.
• Soul legends like Sly and the Family Stone, The Staples Singers, and Gladys Knight & The Pips are featured on the soundtrack.
• The film's musical segments bring nostalgia and the electrifying sense of being part of a major historical event.