Year: 2009
Country:
United States
Language:
English
Run Time:
82 minutes
SOUNDTRACK FOR A REVOLUTION is a fascinating chronicle of the protest songs that inspired American civil rights activists during the 1950s and 60s. Music was crucial in helping protesters as they faced down brutal aggression with non-violence; and the energy of the freedom songs, many of which evolved from slave chants and the black church, swept people up and encouraged them to carry on. In this documentary, riveting archival footage recorded live at mass meetings and protests is interspersed with interviews with civil rights foot soldiers and leaders, including Congressman John Lewis, Harry Belafonte, Julian Bond, and Ambassador Andrew Young. The film's harrowing material includes a 1960 Mississippi state propaganda film glorifying segregation while the television news records freedom marchers being savagely beaten and attacked by dogs. Also featured are vibrant new renditions of enduring civil rights anthems by current artists, including John Legend, Wyclef Jean, Joss Stone, and The Roots. The music is as powerful today as it was 50 years ago. –B.B.
Director
Dan Sturman
Filmography
"Twin Towers" (2003), "Nanking" (2007), SOUNDTRACK FOR A REVOLUTION (2009)
Producer
Joslyn Barnes, Jim Czarnecki, Bill Guttentag, Dylan Nelson, Dan Sturman
Cinematography
Buddy Squires, Jon Else, Stephen Kazmierski
Editing
Jeffrey Doe
Principal Cast
Anthony Hamilton and The Blind Boys of Alabama, Angie Stone, Joss Stone, The Carlton Reese Memorial Unity Chior, Mary Mary, Wyclef Jean, Richie Havens, The Roots, John Legend
This film is presented with the generous support of SCOTT and PATTI FINE.
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