Soundtrack for a Revolution

The American civil rights movement is vividly captured by Bill Guttentag and Dan Sturman through image and song. And what song! Compelling archival footage is set against dynamite contemporary performances of movement anthems by, among others, Wyclef Jean, John Legend, Anthony Hamilton and the Blind Boys of Alabama, Ricky Havens, The Roots and Joss Stone. The freedom songs evolved from slave chants, the labour movement and especially the black church. The music enabled Black people to sing what they couldn’t say, and it was crucial in helping the protesters as they faced down brutal aggression with dignity and nonviolence. The infectious energy of the songs swept people up – as they do again here—and empowered them to keep fighting. The film also features interviews with civil rights soldiers and leaders of the movement, including Congressman John Lewis, Harry Belafonte, Julian Bond and Ambassador Andrew Young, but it is the songs themselves that are really the stars here. A celebration of the power of music to give strength and hope, Soundtrack for a Revolution is a vibrant, soul stirring experience and a film of significance, energy and power.