Documentary backdrop image for Mr. SOUL! (2018)

201890 minGdocumentary

7.0/ 10(3 ratings)• TMDB

Mr. SOUL!

201890 minGdocumentary

7.0/ 10(3 ratings)• TMDB

SOUL. aired on public television for five seasons from 1968 to 1973, featuring performances by artists like Stevie Wonder and Al Green.

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Directors

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Synopsis

SOUL. aired on public television for five seasons from 1968 to 1973, featuring performances by artists like Stevie Wonder and Al Green.

People

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Sam Pollarddirector

Melissa Haizlipdirector

Melissa Haizlipwriter

Ellis Haizlipcast

Sidney Poitiercast

Synopsis

Ellis Haizlip, the producer and host of SOUL., transformed public television from 1968 to 1973. The program featured performances and discussions with influential figures such as Harry Belafonte, Toni Morrison, and Stokely Carmichael. Archival footage and contemporary interviews reveal the show's impact on Black culture during a time of political change. Haizlip's vision was to make Black experiences visible, a mission voiced by actor Blair Underwood. The film won 21 awards, including a Peabody Award for Best Documentary in 2022.

Deep Dive

Why Watch

See performances from Al Green and Stevie Wonder.
Meet influential figures like Nikki Giovanni and Harry Belafonte.
Find out about the impact of SOUL! on Black representation.

Did You Know

Mr. SOUL! won 21 awards out of 32 nominations, including 14 Film Festival Awards.
The film premiered on April 22, 2018, at the Tribeca Film Festival.
The end title song 'Show Me Your Soul' was shortlisted for the 93rd Academy Awards.
Ellis Haizlip's words are voiced by actor Blair Underwood in the film.

Perfect For

Music history enthusiastsBlack cultural studiesPublic television fans

Read full Deep Dive →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who produced the documentary Mr. SOUL!?

Mr. SOUL! was produced, written, and directed by Melissa Haizlip, with co-production by Doug Blush and co-direction by Sam Pollard.

What awards did Mr. SOUL! win?

Mr. SOUL! received 32 nominations and won 21 awards, including 14 Film Festival Awards.

When did Mr. SOUL! premiere?

Mr. SOUL! premiered on April 22, 2018, at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Awards & Festivals

AFI Docs

2019 • Official selection

Woodstock Film Festival

2019 • Official selection

Tribeca Film Festival

2018 • Official selection

True/False Film Festival

Year unknown • Official selection

Awards & Festivals

Comments

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