Wattstax

Described as one of the definitive concert films of all time, Mel Stuart’s ‘Wattstax’ captures the thrill and fervour of an event dubbed by fans as LA’s “Black Woodstock”. Taking place on the 30th birthday of soul singer Isaac Hayes, the benefit concert championed Black music in a way that was accessible to patrons of all economic backgrounds. Seats were priced at just a dollar each, with over 100,000 spectators attending to experience live rhythm and blues, gospel and jazz. This was, at the time, the largest gathering of African American communities outside of a civil rights movement.munities outside of a civil rights movement.