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

Jazz on Film

USA

Sunday 20 October, 4:30PM

Fed Square

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“It’s a music documentary like no other, because while it’s a joyful, cataclysmic, and soulfully seductive concert movie, what it’s really about is a key turning point in Black life in America.” – Variety

In his acclaimed debut as a filmmaker, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson presents a powerful and transporting documentary—part music film, part historical record created around an epic event that celebrated Black history, culture and fashion. Over the course of six weeks in the summer of 1969, just one hundred miles south of Woodstock, The Harlem Cultural Festival was filmed in Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park). The footage was largely forgotten—until now.

Winner of the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival, Summer of Soul stands as a testament to the healing power of music during times of unrest, both past and present. The feature includes concert performances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly & the Family Stone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Mahalia Jackson, B.B. King, The 5th Dimension and more.

Summer of Soul is part of MIJF’s Jazz on Film series, taking place at ACMI and Fed Square.

Gallery

SUMMER OF SOUL | Official Trailer

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