Summer of Soul

Join us outside in the Nasher Museum Sculpture Garden for the film Summer of Soul (Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, 2021, 118 minutes). 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. 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. 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. This film won the 2022 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, and the 2022 Grammy Award for Best Music Film.

Co-sponsored by Cinematic Arts and Duke’s Department of Art, Art History & Visual Studies.

Raindate: Thursday, July 7, 9 PM.

Seating: Bring your own cushions and blankets to spread out on the Nasher Sculpture Garden lawn.

Food and drink: You may bring your own snacks and beverages, but please no glass bottles or containers.