The 2021 Sundance Film Festival concluded tonight with the awarding of the top jury prizes to the films released at the event. Directed by Questlove Summer of Soul (… Or, when the revolution could not be televised)—A 1969 film about the Harlem Cultural Festival — was awarded the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at the United States Documentary Competition. Questlove reacted to the news on Twitter: “OOOOMMMGGGGHGGG I WILL“.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to direct films and telling this story has really been an amazing experience,” Questlove wrote in a statement. “I am overwhelmed and honored by the reception the film receives and I want to give special thanks to Sundance and my production partners: Radical Media, Vulcan Productions, Concordia, Play / Action Pictures and LarryBilly Productions.”
The film premiered worldwide at this year’s festival. It includes images that went unseen in a basement for 50 years. The film features Stevie Wonder, the Staples Singers, Nina Simone, Sly and the Family Stone, and other icons.
Read Pitchfork’s feature “Questlove on why music festivals matter and how to do them right.”