Summer of Soul

About Summer of Soul

"Summer of Soul" is a documentary released in 2021, directed by Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson. The film juxtaposes footage from the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, also known as "Black Woodstock," with present-day interviews. The festival was an epic event that celebrated African American music and culture and promoted Black pride and unity. It featured momentous performances by a variety of artists, including the likes of Nina Simone, Sly & the Family Stone, and Stevie Wonder.

Making / Production

The documentary was the directorial debut for Questlove, best known as the drummer and frontman of the Grammy Award-winning band The Roots. In creating the film, he used more than 40 hours of footage that had been largely forgotten and unseen for half a century. The production process involved meticulous restoration and sorting of the original festival footage, as well as conducting new interviews with people who were at the festival and those who were influenced by it.

Actors

• Lin-Manuel Miranda: The 'Hamilton' creator provided new interview highlights. His contribution brought an added depth and element of reflection to the documentary.
• Chris Rock: This renowned comedian, who was present in some of the new interviews, provided commentary on the cultural and historical significance of the original festival.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The original footage was shot by Hal Tulchin, who had unsuccessfully tried to sell it to television networks after the festival.
• The festival took place over six weekends in the summer of 1969, attracting more than 300,000 people.

Awards

"Summer of Soul" garnered significant critical acclaim upon its release. It won the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival.

Quotes

• "These were voices of a revolution that wanted change." - Gale Brewer, Manhattan Borough President
• "I knew what I was part of. I knew what it meant." - Musa Jackson, Harlem Cultural Festival attendee

Music, Soundtrack

• The musical performances are a significant highlight of "Summer of Soul". They include inspired sets by Stevie Wonder, Mahalia Jackson, and Sly and the Family Stone among others.
• The soundtrack of the documentary features these live performances, offering a rich variety of sounds from gospel, to soul, to pop and jazz.