Harry Belafonte Film at Mass MoCA
Sing Your Song Screened March 1
By: MoCA - Feb 20, 2012
Harry Belafonte is known not just for his soothing voice and powerful acting but also his influence on social justice issues. Maintaining an international presence since the 1950s, Belafonte's impact goes far beyond entertainment, as he actively collaborated with Martin Luther King, fought against apartheid in South Africa, and challenged gang violence, among many other causes. Sing Your Song tells Belafonte's story from his own perspective, exploring his life as a celebrity and humanitarian. Variety claimed, "It isn't just the story of a man, but the story of a country and a century." Sing Your Song screens as part of MASS MoCA's Cinema Lounge documentary series on Thursday, March 1, at 7:30 PM.
Revealing how Belafonte gained so much prominence, Sing Your Song leads us through all stages of his life. As a young teen in Harlem, Belafonte recognized his talent and love for performing. Despite the country's racial segregation, he became a star, leaving a lasting impression on audiences around the world. Even though Belafonte won Emmy, Grammy, and Tony awards, he was marginalized as an African-American which contributed toward convincing him to use his fame toward social justice aims.
Sing Your Song shows how Belafonte was investigated by the FBI, blacklisted, and threatened by both the police force and the Ku Klux Klan -- all meant to deter him, but situations that ultimately motivated him to speak out for equality and peace. Developing as an activist during the Civil Rights movement, he has continued to fight for human freedoms over the past five decades. With the film featuring commentary from individuals like Nelson Mandela, Coretta Scott King, Tony Bennett, and Whoopi Goldberg, it becomes clear that Belafonte has had a far-reaching influence across industries and the globe. The documentary utilizes interviews, newsreels, movie footage, data from Belafonte's FBI file, and commentary from Belafonte himself to illustrate his struggles and heroism throughout his life.
Directed by documentary veteran Susanne Rostock, Sing Your Song was the Official Selection at more than fifteen film festivals, including Sundance, Berlin, SXSW, and Tribeca.
Sing Your Song screens on Thursday, March 1, at 7:30 PM in MASS MoCA's Club B-10. Drinks from the MASS MoCA bar, as well as snacks from Lickety Split, are available before and during the film. Tickets for the film are $9 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets are available through the MASS MoCA Box Office located off Marshall Street in North Adams, open from 11AM - 5 PM every day but Tuesdays. Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 413.662.2111 during Box Office hours or purchased online at www.massmoca.org.