World Community is hosting a Best of Fest screening of Soundtrack for a Revolution on Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Stan Hagen Theatre, North Island College.
Soundtrack for a Revolution tells the story of the American civil rights movement through its powerful music, the freedom songs protesters sang on picket lines, in mass meetings, in paddy wagons and in jail cells as they fought for justice and equality.
The film features new performances of the freedom songs by top artists, including John Legend, Joss Stone, Wyclef Jean, and The Roots; riveting archival footage; and interviews with civil rights foot soldiers and leaders, including Congressman John Lewis, Harry Belafonte, Julian Bond, and Ambassador Andrew Young.
The infectious energy of the songs swept people up and empowered them to fight for their rights as they faced down brutal aggression with dignity and non-violence. Soundtrack for a Revolution celebrates the vitality of this music.
“I’ve seen this film three times and it moves me to tears each time,” says programmer Janet Fairbanks. “The stories of brutal police repression and the unbelievably courageous resistance of so many people inspire us today.
“It’s no wonder this film won the People’s Choice Award at both the Vancouver International Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival in 2009 and was also shortlisted for an Academy Award.”
Everyone is welcome; admission is by donation.
— World Community