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ASPEN, CO (May 25, 2021) – Aspen Film is excited to announce another partnership with Jazz Aspen Snowmass presenting a sneak preview drive-in screening of the 2021 Sundance Film Festival US Grand Jury Prize Documentary and Audience Award winner SUMMER OF SOUL (…OR, WHEN THE REVOLUTION COULD NOT BE TELEVISED). The drive-in screening will take place at Snowmass Town Park (2735 Brush Creek Rd, Snowmass Village, CO) on Sunday, June 20 at 8:45 pm ahead of its July 2 theatrical release through Searchlight Pictures. Hulu will launch the film on the same day in conjunction with Disney General Entertainment’s Onyx Collective. Tickets go on sale Monday, June 7 and are $50 for GA and $40 for Aspen Film and JAS National Council Members. A very limited number of VIP packages for $350 will also be available. For more details on tickets and to purchase, visit AspenFilm.org.

In his acclaimed debut as a filmmaker, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson presents a powerful and transporting documentary—part music film, part historical record created around an epic event that celebrated Black history, culture and fashion. Over the course of six weeks in the summer of 1969, just one hundred miles south of Woodstock, The Harlem Cultural Festival was filmed in Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park). The footage was never seen and largely forgotten–until now. SUMMER OF SOUL shines a light on the importance of history to our spiritual well-being and stands as a testament to the healing power of music during times of unrest, both past and present. The feature includes never-before-seen concert performances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly & the Family Stone, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Mahalia Jackson, B.B. King, The 5th Dimension and more.

Aspen Film Executive + Artistic Director Susan Wrubel states, “When I learned that this film was opening the 2021 virtual Sundance Film Festival, it became a top priority for me, knowing the genesis and subject-matter of the material. It surpassed expectations. Not only is it a defining piece of cultural history, but also an informative feel-good film that makes you want to dance and sing. We are so fortunate that this footage has been unearthed after so long, and that Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson has crafted something so incredibly unique and inspiring.  We are delighted to be partnering with JAS to kick off their 30^th anniversary celebration, and this film is the perfect way to celebrate.”

“JAS is thrilled and honored to collaborate with Aspen Film on our 30^th Anniversary in this screening of the extraordinary music festival event in Harlem memorized in the film,” says Jazz Aspen Snowmass Executive Director Jim Horowitz. “We are especially happy that JAS is presenting The Family Stone at our upcoming June 24-27 JAS Experience…playing the legendary music of one of the film’s most iconic stars, Sly Stone!”

SUMMER OF SOUL premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival, where it won both the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award.

ABOUT ASPEN FILM:
Established in 1979, Aspen Film is one of Colorado’s most active film arts organizations, presenting dynamic programs and featured guest artists throughout the year. Internationally recognized, Aspen Film organizes a major film event in every season, along with an extensive education program: Aspen Filmfest, Academy Screenings, Aspen Shortsfest and FilmEducates. With a mission to enlighten, enrich, educate and entertain through film, Aspen Film stimulates thought, encourages dialogue and broadens understanding of our world and selves through the diverse spectrum of ideas presented by filmmakers worldwide. To learn more, visit aspenfilm.org.

 

ABOUT JAZZ ASPEN SNOWMASS:
Founded in 1991 and entering its 30th season, Jazz Aspen Snowmass (JAS) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The Mission of JAS is to present and preserve jazz and related forms of music through world-class events, performances, and education programs. Since 1996, JAS has generated over $7.5 million to support its multifaceted music education programs.