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.
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.
“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.
99% Rotten Tomatoes
Director: Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson / Cast: Gladys Knight, Mavis Staples, Stevie Wonder / USA / English / 1h 58 mins / Documentary, Music / Rating: PG
Watch the trailer at https://youtu.be/slFiJpAxZyQ.
“Thompson's feature debut intertwines music and politics in one of the best concert movies of all time.” - Mark Kermode, Observer (UK)
“This sizzling concert film is a resurrected piece of power-to-the-people art, featuring dizzyingly rich footage from 1969's Harlem Cultural Festival. [It] reclaims a forgotten piece of Black culture with aching timeliness.” - Tomris Laffly, Harper's Bazaar
“Summer of Soul is both a tribute to the artists and, just as importantly, their audience -- which is what makes it not just a great concert film but a great documentary, period.” - David Fear, Rolling Stone
Monday Cinema is presented by Trail and District Arts Council and screens at The Royal Theatre, 1597 Bay Avenue, Trail.
All films begin at 4:00 pm.
Tickets at thebailey.ca or by calling 250-368-9669.
If tickets are available, they will go on sale 30 minutes before the screening.
As per current BC Provincial Health Orders, this event is now at 100% capacity.
Doors will open 30 minutes prior to show time.
COVID Protocols and Vaccination Certification Requirements
– Anyone 12 years-old or over must have two doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine, along with valid government issued ID (i.e. B.C. driver’s licence or BC Services Card, a Passport, or Photo ID issued by another province or territory), to enter the venue as required by the Province of BC and Interior Health.
– We will only accept the Vaccine Passport (with QR code and name) as proof of vaccination in either digital or printed format.
– Youth aged 12-18 years of age are not required to show government photo ID but are required to present proof of vaccination.
– Masks are mandatory when not actively eating or drinking.
– All the above is subject to change depending on the COVID Climate and BC Provincial Health and Interior Health Orders.
Ticketholders, who are unable to comply with any of these policies cannot attend and should contact our Box Office at 250-368-9669 for a refund. Please stay home if you are sick.