The Super Powered Fancast

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

Directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson

Starring Gladys Knight and the Pips, The 5^th Dimension, The Edwin Hawkins Singers, Sly and the Family Stone, The Gospel Redeemers, B.B. King, The Staple Singers, Mongo Santamaria, Stevie Wonder, Mahalia Jackson and Nina Simone

PG-13

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. 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, both past and present. 

The summer of 69 was a watershed moment in American history for many people and communities. When many people talk about those times, they forget about The Harlem Cultural Festival. A multi-day concert that not only reflected, recharged and uplift a community, but whose existence has gone tragically forgotten to history. Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson took the footage of that festival and presents it in a film that not only captures the culture and the people of that time, but is also a wonderful toe-tapping trip through some of the best music of all time.

First thing, the film looks amazing. The team that restored the footage delivers a bright, beautiful and vibrant visual experience that grabs the viewer and takes them on a glorious trip through a musical wonderland. From the raucous sound of a young Stevie Wonder to the uplifting vocal power of Mahalia Jackson, you are taken to places of pure musical joy. The film does a wonderful job of not only showcasing the performances, but also the people attending the concert. There are so many great shots that show how the Festival brought together communities and generations to celebrate music in a tense political and social climate.

Second, the music is glorious. The festival featured different musicians across multiple days and the musical styles ranged from Motown, Blues, Gospel, Funk and more. Everyone in attendance was treated to or exposed to the richness of black music and culture with groups like The 5^th Dimension, The Staple Singers and Nina Simone delivering powerful performances that elicit a joyous mood from the viewer.

Third, the film touches on the racial, cultural and social climate of the era in a way that is both empowering and often frustrating as people in the aftermath of multiple political assassinations, man landing on the moon, the growing drug epidemic in the inner cities and more lament things that are still relevant today. The film brilliantly brings those moments out while also showcasing why the Harlem Cultural Festival was so important to the city, the community and the culture.

Finally, the movie just makes you feel good. The music delivers a jolt of energy as you watch the performances and I found myself in several places both smiling from ear to ear and welling up at the power of music itself and what it can do. The interviews with both living legends and people who attended are a magnificent look at a time and atmosphere that helped to shape the culture. Summer of Soul is a powerful, beautiful and brilliant film that brings back a history, a moment and a time that should never have been forgotten.

Summer of Soul is now available on Digital and DVD.