Congrats are in order for Questlove, who will make his directorial debut with a new documentary about the Harlem Cultural Festival in 1969.
The Roots frontman and drummer will direct Black Woodstock, which will feature hours of never-before-seen footage from the festival, originally shot by late television producer-director Hal Tulchin.
Black Woodstock, a name given to the Harlem Cultural Festival by the neighborhood’s residents, featured artists such as Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone, B.B. King, along with Gladys Knight and the Pips. It took place one year after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“I am truly excited to help bring the passion, the story and the music of the Harlem Cultural Festival to audiences around the world. The performances are extraordinary,” Questlove told Variety in a statement. “I was stunned when I saw the lost footage for the first time. It’s incredible to look at 50 years of history that’s never been told, and I’m eager and humbled to tell that story.”
Producers David Dinerstein and Robert Fyvolent added, “The music and performances in Black Woodstock will knock audiences out of their seats. The footage is unusually rich in texture and feel. We are so proud to be working alongside Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson on his directorial debut. We are confident he will bring an authenticity and unique vision to the film.”
We can’t wait to watch!