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Under African Skies

Directed by Joe Berlinger
U.S.A. / South Africa, 2011, 102 min.
Genre: Documentary

Paul Simon’s Graceland album sold millions of copies and united cultures, yet it also divided world opinion on the boundaries of art, politics, and commerce. On the twenty-fifth anniversary of its release, Simon returns to South Africa for a reunion concert. Despite its huge success as a fusion of American and African musical styles, Graceland caused intense political crossfire. Simon was accused of breaking the United Nations’ cultural boycott of South Africa, which was designed to end apartheid. While Simon revisits old ghosts and gains insights on his own musical journey, the film examines the role of the artist in society.

 

Discussion with the film's editor, Joshua L. Pearson, to follow

 

Sundance Official Selection 2012