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Deep Dive: Sing Your Song (2017)

Film Lens

Sing Your Song
Sing Your Song is a documentary about Harry Belafonte, focusing on his dual legacy as a celebrated entertainer and a civil rights activist. The film begins with Belafonte's early life, detailing his birth in Harlem in 1927 and his childhood in Jamaica. It follows his journey into theater and music, showcasing his rise to fame as a singer and actor while emphasizing his commitment to social change. The film shows Belafonte's activism during the Civil Rights Movement, including his marches with Martin Luther King Jr. and his efforts against apartheid in South Africa. It also covers his work with USA for Africa to combat hunger and his initiatives to reduce gang violence among inner-city youth. Director Susanne Rostock presents a narrative that intertwines Belafonte's artistic achievements with his lifelong dedication to social justice.

Why Watch

  • See Harry Belafonte's impact on the Civil Rights Movement.
  • Meet the artists and activists who influenced Belafonte.
  • Find out about his fight against apartheid in South Africa.

Did You Know

Harry Belafonte was born in Harlem in 1927 and spent childhood in Jamaica.
The film won the Most Popular Nonfiction Film Award at the 2011 Vancouver International Film Festival.
Sing Your Song received a score of 73 out of 100 on Metacritic based on 9 critics.
The film advanced to the final 15 contenders for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2011.

Perfect For

Civil Rights historyMusic and activismBiographical documentaries