Watch Songs of Freedom

Songs of Freedom is a powerful film documenting the deep cultural heritage of the African American people throughout their struggle for civil rights and social justice. Directed by Canadian filmmaker Barbara Willis Sweete and starring Measha Brueggergosman, one of Canada's most renowned classical musicians, the film takes audiences on a journey throughout the United States to explore the rich historical narratives of the country's past and present.

Featuring performances by some of the world's most accomplished musicians and vocalists, the movie meditates on the importance of music in social movements and its ability to touch and inspire people towards action. From spirituals to blues, gospel to jazz, the film provides an immersive and emotional account of the African American experience and music's role in the quest for freedom, justice, and dignity.

The film begins with an introduction to Brueggergosman as she shares her own personal experience growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood in Canada and her own journey to connect with her African heritage through music. Her honesty and vulnerability set the tone for the film and immediately capture the viewer's attention.

From there, the film takes us on a journey throughout America from New Orleans to Harlem, where we see firsthand how music has not only sustained and uplifted African Americans but also served as a powerful tool for change. We see Brueggergosman perform with jazz legend Wynton Marsalis at the world-renowned Lincoln Center in New York City, where they explore the roots of jazz and its relationship to African American history.

Throughout the movie, there are several powerful interviews with prominent figures in the African American community, including civil rights icon Julian Bond and scholar Angela Davis, who provide invaluable commentary on the role of music in the fight for social justice. These interviews are interspersed with beautiful, heartfelt performances by Brueggergosman and other acclaimed musicians such as The Blind Boys of Alabama, The Roots, and jazz vocalist Catherine Russell.

The film also explores the enduring legacy of slavery and its impact on African American music culture today. We see Brueggergosman travel to the cotton fields of Louisiana where enslaved Africans worked and sang in the harshest conditions imaginable. We also learn about the spirituals that were sung during this dark period and their importance in preserving the humanity and faith of this marginalized population. We are reminded that music served as a form of resistance and survival and helped African Americans maintain their cultural identity while in captivity.

Overall, the movie is a powerful testament to the resilience, strength, and beauty of the African American community and their impact on American music and culture. It is an emotional journey that will leave you feeling inspired and proud of this community's accomplishments while also calling for continued action to address the systemic racism that still exists in America today.

In conclusion, Songs of Freedom is a moving tribute to the power of music and the untold stories of African American culture throughout the centuries. The movie proves that music is a critical part of social justice movements and continues to inspire people to this day. The film's message is clear: music is a fundamental human expression that can help us overcome adversity and celebrate our shared humanity. It is an essential watch for anyone interested in social justice, American history, or the transformative power of music.

Songs of Freedom is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes.