Questlove on Black joy and restoring history with 'Summer of Soul'

A shot from the film Summer of Soul

The music star talks to Lola Adesioye about the importance of telling the story of the 1969 event known colloquially as ‘The Black Woodstock’

Talent: Questlove Moderator: Lola Adesioye

In his acclaimed directional debut, Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson presents this powerful documentary that focuses on an epic event that celebrated Black history, culture, and fashion. For six weeks during the summer of 1969, just 100 miles south of Woodstock, The Harlem Cultural Festival was recorded in Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park).  The footage has remained hidden from public consciousness for more than 50 years; until now. 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 during times of unrest. The film includes never-before-seen concert performances by B.B. King, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder and more.

 

 

Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) is distributed by Searchlight.


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