Short synopsis : The story of the American Civil Rights Movement told through the freedom songs protesters sang in their fight for justice and equality. Performances by top artists including Joss Stone, Wyclef Jean and The Roots; archival footage and interviews with civil rights activists including Martin Luther King. From two-time Academy Award® winner Bill Guttentag and Dan Sturman, a film of extraordinary significance, energy, and power.

Long synopsis : 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. Martin Luther King, Jr. - activist, civil rights leader, and Nobel laureate - is also prominently featured. The freedom songs evolved from slave chants, from the labor movement, and especially from the black church. The music enabled blacks to sing words they could not say, and it was crucial in helping the protesters as they faced down brutal aggression with dignity and non-violence. The infectious energy of the songs swept people up and empowered them to fight for their rights. SOUNDTRACK FOR A REVOLUTION celebrates the vitality of this music. Directed by two-time Academy Award® winner Bill Guttentag and Dan Sturma (NANKING), and executive produced by Danny Glover, SOUNDTRACK FOR A REVOLUTION is a vibrant blend of heart-wrenching interviews, dramatic images and thrilling contemporary performances - a film of significance, energy, and power.

Cast

• The Roots, John Legend, Wyclef Jean, Joss Stone, Richie Havens, Anthony Hamilton

Crew

• Producer(s): Joslyn Barnes, Jim Czarnecki, Bill Guttentag, Dylan Nelson
• Director(s): Bill Guttentag, Dan Sturman
• Screenplay: Bill Guttentag, Dan Sturman
• DP: Jon Else, Stephen Kazmierski, Buddy Squires
• Editing: Jeffrey Doe
• Original Music: Phil Marshall

• Genre(s): Documentary, Music


• Production company: FREEDOM SONG PRODUCTIONS
• Production date: 2009
• Language: English
• Duration: 83 min