In 1969 a ground-breaking free concert took place over the course of six weeks called The Harlem Cultural Festival. For decades it was largely forgotten; the incredible footage of performances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly & the Family Stone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Mahalia Jackson, B.B. King, The 5th Dimension and many more, sat unseen in a basement for fifty years. Producers David Dinerstein and Robert Fyvolent acquired the rights and made it their mission to bring this historic event to light.

Released in 2021 and directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson -- in his directorial debut - SUMMER OF SOUL is a powerful and transporting documentary—part music film, part historical record created around an epic event that celebrated Black history, culture and fashion. It 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.

Not only does it feature never-before-seen performances from the most significant rap, soul, and funk bands ever, but it also covers the political climate at the time. Woodstock, the first walk on the Moon, Vietnam, and the rise of the Black Power Movement.

SUMMER OF SOUL premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award, before taking home the Oscar for best feature documentary. The film also won a Grammy, a BAFTA and a Peabody Award.

For those of you who haven't had the chance to see yet, you will be blown away by the film. And for those who have, we know you'll agree: The best way to see SUMMER OF SOUL is on a big screen with a crowd.

After the screening will have a discussion with Dinerstein and some of the film's featured voices.

See you there!

Summer of Soul

Screening + Discussion