Aug. 2 & Aug. 4, 7 pm
Universally acclaimed after winning the Grand Jury Award at its Sundance Film Festival
premiere, ‘Summer of Soul’ won the 2022 Oscar for Best Documentary. Directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, the film tells the story of a 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, when some 300,000 came to celebrate African American musicians and culture, and to promote the new politics of Black Pride Festival performances included Nina Simone, BB King, Fifth
Dimension, Gladys Knight, Stevie Wonder, Mahalia Jackson and the Staple Singers. Yet, in spite of attendance by some 300,000, the celebration was overshadowed by dominant media coverage of Woodstock that summer. Video footage of the “Black Woodstock” was virtually forgotten. “Questlove” (best known as leader of The Roots, house band of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon) was driven to both produce and direct the film upon seeing vintage video footage and realizing the Festival’s historic significance was a keystone in black cultural history.
Summer 2022 Ritz Film Series: Tickets $5 or $15 for Party of 4 – All weeknight screenings are Tuesday & Thursday
