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Deep Dive: Wattstax (1973)

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Wattstax
Wattstax is a documentary film directed by Mel Stuart that captures the Afro-American Woodstock concert held in Los Angeles in 1973, seven years after the Watts riots. The film combines concert footage with scenes depicting the living conditions in the Watts neighborhood, providing a stark contrast between the celebration of Black culture at the concert and the socio-economic challenges faced by the community. The film features performances from notable artists and aims to convey the spirit of unity and empowerment among the African American community. By juxtaposing the concert with the realities of life in Watts, the film presents a multifaceted view of Black identity and culture during a pivotal moment in American history.

Why Watch

  • •See performances from iconic Black artists of the 1970s.
  • •Find out about the cultural impact of the Watts riots.
  • •Meet the community behind the concert in Watts.

Did You Know

•The concert attracted 100,000 attendees in Los Angeles.
•Wattstax was filmed seven years after the Watts riots of 1965.
•The film has a runtime of 98 minutes.
•It was produced in the United States of America.

Perfect For

Music history enthusiastsCivil rights studies1970s pop culture