ABOUT THE SHOW

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. 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 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 premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award.

The screening will be followed by a post-screening conversation with director Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson. Moderated by Novena Carmel

Short Film Pairing: To Be Free (Dir. Adepero Oduye), 12 Min/USA) - In a tiny after-hours club, Nina Simone finds a way, for one moment, to be free. Starring, written and directed by Adepero Oduye, who also starred in Pariah and Twelve Years a Slave. Cinematography by Oscar-nominated Bradford Young.

This screening of SUMMER OF SOUL is part of the Film at LACMA Black Joy and Resilience Film Series in conjunction with the Obama Portraits/ Black American Portraits exhibitions at LACMA presented in partnership with ASU Film Spark, the Sidney Poitier New American Film School, and NewFilmmakers LA.

RSVPs will close two hours prior to showtime. Viewing instructions will be sent to the provided email just prior to the scheduled start time. The film will be available until midnight, Sunday, November 14.