From 1967 to 1975, fueled by curiosity and naïveté, Swedish journalists traversed the Atlantic Ocean to film the black power movement in America. The Black Power Mixtape 1967–1975 mobilizes a treasure trove of 16mm material, which languished in a basement for 30 years, into an irresistible mosaic of images, music, and narration to chronicle the movement’s evolution. Mesmerizing footage of Stokely Carmichael, Bobby Seale, Huey P. Newton, Angela Davis, and Eldridge Cleaver, as well as Black Panther activities, are peppered with B-roll footage of black America.
More here: http://sundance.bside.com/2011/films/theblackpowermixtape19671975_sundance2011
There are numerous documentaries about this period and the culture, but what makes Black Power Mixtape stand out is just how classy it is. Throughout the film we hear from artists and activists involved in, or influenced by, the movement through audio commentary. The lack of talking heads keeps you focused in on the footage and provides subtle context without attempting to aggressively educate you. It’s an interesting way to feature contributors as it seemed that they were commenting while watching the film, a perfect way to include a vast array of voices and views without being obtrusive to the pacing of the story.
More here: http://www.thedocumentaryblog.com/index.php/2011/01/22/sundance-review-black-...