---
title: "Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)"
year: 2021
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/summer-of-soul-or-when-the-revolution-could-not-be-televised-2021"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 776527
imdb_id: "tt7378922"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 117
community_rating: 7.6
vote_count: 237
content_rating: "PG-13"
---

# Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) (2021) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/summer-of-soul-or-when-the-revolution-could-not-be-televised-2021

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) is a 2021 documentary directed by Ahmir Questlove Thompson. It focuses on the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, an event attended by over 300,000 people that celebrated African American music and culture while promoting Black pride and unity.

The film's significance lies in the recovery of festival footage that sat in a basement, unseen for over 50 years. This documentary brings a lost piece of American history to light, showcasing a massive cultural gathering that occurred during the same summer as Woodstock.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "Lost footage from the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival is rediscovered after sitting unseen for fifty years."

### Why Watch
- Features rediscovered footage of the legendary 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival
- Celebrates African American music, culture, and unity
- Directed by Ahmir Questlove Thompson

### Caveats & Content Note
- The film is rated PG-13
- Tone & Suitability: This documentary explores a significant historical event through music and cultural celebration.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #musical-documentary, #historical-archive, #black-pride, #1960s-culture, #cultural-celebration

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Disney Plus, Hulu | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Disney Plus | None | Apple TV Store, CosmoGo, YouTube |
| **Australia (AU)** | Disney Plus | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, YouTube |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Questlove
- **Networks / Studios**: Mass Distraction Media, RadicalMedia, Vulcan Productions

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Stevie Wonder** as *Self*
- **Lin-Manuel Miranda** as *Self - Artist*
- **Chris Rock** as *Self - Artist*
- **Tony Lawrence** as *Self - Harlem Cultural Festival Producer & Host (archive footage)*
- **Nina Simone** as *Self (archive footage)*
- **B.B. King** as *Self (archive footage)*
- **Abbey Lincoln** as *Self (archive footage)*
- **Mavis Staples** as *Self - Singer (archive footage) (voice)*
- **Mahalia Jackson** as *Self (archive footage)*
- **David Ruffin** as *Self*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where can I stream this film?
The film is currently listed as now streaming.

### Q: Is this film worth watching?
The film documents a legendary festival that celebrated African American music and culture.

### Q: How long is the runtime?
The documentary has a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes.

### Q: What is the rating of the film?
The film is rated PG-13.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/776527)
- [Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not be ...](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7378922/)
- [Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be ...](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/776527-summer-of-soul-or-when-the-revolution-could-not-be-televised/cast)
- [Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) (2021) - Questlove, Sanjib Gogoi | Synopsis, Movie Info, Moods,....](https://www.allmovie.com/)
- [Summer of Soul – The Official Home of Nina Simone | The High Priestess of Soul](https://www.ninasimone.com/film/summer-of-soul/)
- [Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*