SUMMER OF SOUL (. . .OR WHEN THE REVOLUTION COULD NOT BE TELEVISED) Feature Films In Person at AFI Silver

Following the screening, watch a special conversation with director Ahmir  Thompson/Questlove moderated by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture Curator Dwandalyn Reece.

In 1969, the same summer as Woodstock, another epic music festival – celebrating American music and African American history – took place in Harlem, New York. Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson makes his filmmaking debut with a documentary of never-before-seen concert footage from the Harlem Cultural Festival shot over 50 years ago.

Part concert film, part historical record, the documentary captures a joyful cultural moment in America that has been largely overlooked. Interviews with those who attended the event are deftly weaved with the festival performances from Stevie Wonder, Mahalia Jackson and Mavis Staples, Sly & the Family Stone, Nina Simone and others. The result is a captivating and thrilling celebration of Black culture and pride. –Sarah Harris

Continue the conversation on DOCS Connect with filmmakers and audience members, here.