Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)

Summer of Soul is this gem of a documentary that slipped under a lot of radars, but trust me, it's incredible if you have any interest in music history or cultural movements. Directed by Questlove, it dives into the long-forgotten 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival — same summer as Woodstock, but with a completely different vibe and impact on Black culture. The fact that this footage sat unseen in a basement for decades is honestly wild.

What really makes the film pop is how it lets the music and performances speak for themselves, but also weaves in personal recollections from people who attended or performed — like Stevie Wonder, Mavis Staples, and Gladys Knight. There's pure joy in seeing these legends young and absolutely electric onstage. They don’t over-narrate it; you just get swept up in the energy and fashion of the late '60s.

There’s this real sense of loss and recovery, too. You can’t help but think about why the festival’s memory faded, especially compared to Woodstock. The doc explores this idea without feeling heavy-handed. It celebrates resilience and art in the face of cultural erasure, and manages to feel inspiring instead of somber.

Most of the cinematography comes from original event footage, so parts can look grainy, but honestly, that just adds to the authenticity. The modern interviews are beautifully lit and respectful. If I had to nitpick, the documentary occasionally jumps around a bit thematically, and some side stories feel like they don’t fully resolve—but honestly, I didn’t mind because I was just soaking in the atmosphere.

You would enjoy this if you love music documentaries that go beyond the usual “making of” format, or if you’re into history told through personal stories and killer performances. It’s honestly uplifting and might introduce you to a whole world of music you’ve missed.