No Pryor Knowledge: WATTSTAX

Watch Trailer Director: Mel Stuart
Cast: The Dramatics, The Staple Singers, Kim Weston
Language: English

This is a documentary about the 1972 Watts Summer Festival, which culminated in a day long concert by Stax Records artists at a sold-out Los Angeles Coliseum. The concert was headlined by Issac Hayes and the support acts included Rufus Thomas and his daughter Carla, the Bar Kays and the Staple Singers. The film also features commentary by many African Americans who comment on how things were in Watts since the riots that tore the city apart seven years earlier.

“A candid, colorful and deeply meaningful sociocultural time capsule, one that captured the black community at the height of its political energy and optimism.” – Ann Hornaday, The Washington Post

“Not only documents the soul-titan concert held at L.A. Coliseum seven years after Watts burned, but illuminates the rue and kinesis of a city in full Black Power flower.” – Laura Sinagra, Village Voice

“The film is saved by the raw power of the performances, and especially, Richard Pryor’s bitterly funny observations.” – Michael Scheinfeld, TV Guide Magazine

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Running Time: 103 minutes103 MIN
R Rated