Hot Docs: The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975 [2011, Göran Hugo Olsson]

black power

Toronto – The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975 is an engaging and powerful look at the black power movement in the United States. Combing the Swedish video archives, director Göran Hugo Olsson and producer Annika Rogell have put together an amazing assemble of footage from that era, including rare behind the scenes footage of marquee historical figures such as Angela Davis, Stokely Carmichael and the Black Panthers.

Between the wars, political assassinations and the rights movements of various groups, the 60s and 70s was a time of great change. The documentary does a great job capturing the equal amounts of hope and frustration that dominated that era. The emotional charge speeches of Angela Davis, Huey Newton and Stokely Carmichael highlighted a lot of the issues as to why the movement was necessary and provides a nice punch to the film. Tender moments with these leaders are also captured, showing them to be more than just political figures in the war for civil rights. The film also enlists contemporary comments by figures such as Eryak Badu, Taliban Kweli and ?uestlove to give you a modern insight on what it was like to grow up during that time and how it has affected them. The beauty of their commentary is that they are talking over the extraordinary footage, rather then the usual talking heads method which seems to be a documentary norm.

Backed by a lovely soundtrack (courtesy of ?uestlove), The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975 is a documentary I highly recommend. By splicing together footage from the vaults of Swedish television, Göran Hugo Olsson has created a spirited documentary about the civil rights movement in the 60s and 70s. Check it out.

Other screenings:
Mon, May 2 1:00 PM @ Cumberland 2
Sat, May 7 9:00 PM @ Bloor Cinema

Posted on by Ricky in Hot Docs

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Britpop lovin Chinaman, consumer of all things irrelevant. Toronto Raptors fan.