Search - Under African Skies (Graceland 25th Anniversary Film) (BluRay) [Blu-ray] on Blu-ray

Gloria B. (glowbird) from SPOKANE, WA
Reviewed on 4/18/2019...

There should be a sky of stars given for the documentary, Under African Skies: Graceland 25th Anniversary Film. This is a priceless documentary on the making of Paul Simon's Graceland album, made during the volatile atmosphere of apartheid in South Africa. I was unaware of the controversy that simply making this album received, and the political backlash he received for allegedly breaking the UN cultural boycott of South Africa designed to end the Apartheid regime. Despite the danger to themselves, the artists came together to record, and later tour together to promote the album--during which time, the African artists were ordered to return to Africa--none obeyed. Through this documentary much is learned about the deplorable conditions for Africans under apartheid. It wasn't until Nelson Mandela became President of South Africa, and well-reknown African musicians Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba were convinced that art should be above any political agenda, that Paul Simon and the many African artists that played on the album were invited to give a concert in South Africa--art winning out over politics--that was an uplifting, historical moment, a testament to the power of music as the universal language. Why did so many people risk their own safety and continue despite the odds? For the African musicians, it was seen as a cultural bridge bringing their music to the world. The documentary on the making of Graceland is the backdrop for a reunion of the artists 25 years later. One of my favorite scenes in this documentary is during the concert (to a mixed race crowd) when they sing the South African national anthem that we are told they insisted that Paul Simon learn the words to sing with them. This is one the most beautiful, touching, uplifting documentaries I have ever seen.

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