Soundtrack for a Revolution
Movie · Documentary · Music

This is the story of the American Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, uniquely told in a way you've never seen before. "Soundtrack for a Revolution" links astonishing footage from a pivotal period in history with interviews and live performances of classic freedom songs from contemporary artists. Both shocking and hopeful, the perspectives shown here are a stirring mix of pathos, insight, passion, warmth and even humor. Riveting archival footage sits alongside new interviews with key Civil Rights Movement figures, including Congressman John Lewis, Harry Belafonte, Julian Bond and Ambassador Andrew Young. This vibrant blend of dramatic images and retrospective interviews is augmented by thrilling new performances from some of contemporary soul music's biggest names. John Legend, Joss Stone, Wyclef Jean, The Roots, Blind Boys of Alabama and Angie Stone are just a handful of the internationally acclaimed musicians performing exclusive reinterpretations of some of history's most powerful songs. The freedom songs featured evolved from a combination of spirituals (slave songs), the labour movement and gospel hymns. This music enabled black people to sing the words they were forbidden to say, and it was crucial in helping protesters face brutal aggression with dignity and non-violence. Protesters sang these songs on picket lines, in mass meetings, in paddy wagons, and in jail cells as they fought for justice and equality. The infectious energy of the music swept people up and empowered them to fight for their rights. Academy-Award winning filmmaker Bill Guttentag (Twin Towers, Nanking) and Dan Sturman (Nanking) have teamed up with executive producer Danny Glover (The Color Purple) to deliver a film of significance, energy and emotional weight. Eloquently showing the power of music as a means of uniting people and enacting lasting social change, this lyrical documentary is never less than insightful and moving.

2010 · 1h 22m
  • 81%
Starring John Legend, Wyclef Jean, Joss Stone
Director Bill Guttentag, Dan Sturman

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  • Free Angela and All Political Prisoners
  • The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975

Cast & Crew

  • John Legend
    Sé stesso
  • Wyclef Jean
    Actor
  • Joss Stone
    Sé stessa
  • Richie Havens
    Actor
  • Anthony Hamilton
    Actor
  • Angie Stone
    Actor
  • Bill Guttentag
    Director
  • Dan Sturman
    Director
  • M‌D
    Mark Downie
    Producer
  • Danny Glover
    Producer
  • Joslyn Barnes
    Producer

About

Soundtrack for a Revolution

Documentary

This is the story of the American Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, uniquely told in a way you've never seen before. "Soundtrack for a Revolution" links astonishing footage from a pivotal period in history with interviews and live performances of classic freedom songs from contemporary artists. Both shocking and hopeful, the perspectives shown here are a stirring mix of pathos, insight, passion, warmth and even humor. Riveting archival footage sits alongside new interviews with key Civil Rights Movement figures, including Congressman John Lewis, Harry Belafonte, Julian Bond and Ambassador Andrew Young. This vibrant blend of dramatic images and retrospective interviews is augmented by thrilling new performances from some of contemporary soul music's biggest names. John Legend, Joss Stone, Wyclef Jean, The Roots, Blind Boys of Alabama and Angie Stone are just a handful of the internationally acclaimed musicians performing exclusive reinterpretations of some of history's most powerful songs. The freedom songs featured evolved from a combination of spirituals (slave songs), the labour movement and gospel hymns. This music enabled black people to sing the words they were forbidden to say, and it was crucial in helping protesters face brutal aggression with dignity and non-violence. Protesters sang these songs on picket lines, in mass meetings, in paddy wagons, and in jail cells as they fought for justice and equality. The infectious energy of the music swept people up and empowered them to fight for their rights. Academy-Award winning filmmaker Bill Guttentag (Twin Towers, Nanking) and Dan Sturman (Nanking) have teamed up with executive producer Danny Glover (The Color Purple) to deliver a film of significance, energy and emotional weight. Eloquently showing the power of music as a means of uniting people and enacting lasting social change, this lyrical documentary is never less than insightful and moving.

81%

TOMATOMETER
Average 7.3
Reviews 16
Fresh 13
Rotten 3

Information

Studio
Docurama
Released
2010
Run Time
1 hr 22 min
Rated
NR
Regions of Origin
United States, France
© 2009 Freedom Song, LLC

Languages

Original Audio
English
Audio

English

Subtitles

English (United States) (SDH)

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Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

  • Armenia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bahrain
  • Botswana
  • Brunei Darussalam
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  • Gambia
  • Ghana
  • Guinea-Bissau
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  • Israel
  • Jordan
  • Lebanon
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  • Mozambique
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  • Tajikistan
  • Turkmenistan
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  • United Arab Emirates
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Asia Pacific

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  • Cambodia
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  • 香港 (廣東話–繁體)
  • Indonesia (English)
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  • Malaysia (English)
  • Micronesia, Federated States of
  • Mongolia
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  • Singapore
  • 대한민국
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