Screened as part of NZIFF 2013

Charles Bradley: Soul of America 2012

Directed by Poull Brien

Intimate and rousing musical portrait of the R&B singer who went from James Brown impersonator to acclaimed Daptone recording artist in his own right at age 62. “A Superfunky good time.” — Twitch

USA In English
75 minutes DCP

Director

Producer, Sound

Alexander Brough

Photography

Stuart McCardle

Editors

Adriana Pacheco
,
Stuart McCardle
,
Poull Brien

Music

Charles Bradley and the Menahan Street Band

With

Charles Bradley
,
Alex Everett
,
Jonny Santos
,
Damani H. Young

Festivals

SXSW, Amsterdam Documentary 2012

“If you’re looking for a moving documentary that will also have you tapping your toes, Charles Bradley: Soul of America might just fit the bill. The R&B singer was the talk of much of the music world in 2011, with the 62-year-old singer seemingly coming out of nowhere to drop his debut (!) album No Time for Dreaming, to widespread critical acclaim, with the disc landing on many year-end top ten lists. But the journey of how he got there, and how he was making first steps as a musician when many acts are retiring, is all covered in the documentary by Poull Brien. We won’t recount the details here – best to save it for the movie – but Bradley’s life was one of hard times and tragedy, and yet redemption was found through the healing power of soul music.” — Kevin Jagernauth, Indiewire. “It’s a blast to see Charles get up and do his thang in front of an appreciative audience. Both a celebration and contextualization of his increasing prominence, Charles Bradley: Soul of America makes for a Superfunky good time.” — Jason Gorber, Twitch