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IMDbPro

Under African Skies

  • 20122012
  • Not RatedNot Rated
  • 1h 48m
IMDb RATING
7.7/10
506
YOUR RATING
Under African Skies (2012)
UNDER AFRICAN SKIES is a really great film in which Joe Berlinger travels back to South Africa with Paul -- his first trip back in 25 years, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the historic Graceland album.  Paul reunites with the band to give a reunion concert and that present tense thread is then used to tell the story of the turbulent birth of the album. Despite its huge success, and despite it being the first popular/successful example of fusing American and African musical styles, it was initially met with tremendous political crossfire, as Paul was accused of breaking the UN cultural boycott of South Africa designed to end the Apartheid regime.  Paul revisits these ghosts as the musical journey is explored. The film will feature interviews with Oprah Winfrey, Paul McCartney, Harry Belafonte, David Byrne, Philip Glass, Lorne Michaels, Whoopi Goldberg, Quincy Jones, and Steve Van Zandt.
Play trailer2:27
1 Video
7 Photos
  • Documentary
  • Biography
  • History
Paul Simon returns to South Africa to explore the journey of his Graceland album, including the political backlash he received for allegedly breaking the UN cultural boycott of South Africa ... Read allPaul Simon returns to South Africa to explore the journey of his Graceland album, including the political backlash he received for allegedly breaking the UN cultural boycott of South Africa designed to end the Apartheid regime.Paul Simon returns to South Africa to explore the journey of his Graceland album, including the political backlash he received for allegedly breaking the UN cultural boycott of South Africa designed to end the Apartheid regime.
IMDb RATING
7.7/10
506
YOUR RATING
  • Director
    • Joe Berlinger
  • Stars
    • Paul Simon
    • Maya Angelou
    • Okeyrema Asante
Top credits
  • Director
    • Joe Berlinger
  • Stars
    • Paul Simon
    • Maya Angelou
    • Okeyrema Asante
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 7User reviews
    • 24Critic reviews
    • 82Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Won 1 Primetime Emmy
      • 12 wins & 4 nominations total

    Videos1

    13 Notes:  Paul Simon's Graceland Journey
    Trailer 2:27
    13 Notes: Paul Simon's Graceland Journey

    Photos7

    Quincy Jones and Joe Berlinger discuss Under African Skies.
     Joe Berlinger attends the New York premiere of his documentary feature UNDER AFRICAN SKIES
    Harry Belafonte and director Joe Berlinger during the filming of Under African Skies.
    Joe Berlinger and Hugh Masekela during the filming of the Paul Simon documentary 'Under African Skies'
    Paul Simon (left) and Dali Tambo (right) with Joe Berlinger (center) in a scene from Berlinger's Under African Skies.
    Under African Skies (2012)

    Top cast

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    Paul Simon
    Paul Simon
    • Selfas Self
    Maya Angelou
    Maya Angelou
    • Selfas Self
    Okeyrema Asante
    • Selfas Self
    Harry Belafonte
    Harry Belafonte
    • Selfas Self
    David Byrne
    David Byrne
    • Selfas Self
    Tony Cedras
    • Selfas Self
    Peter Gabriel
    Peter Gabriel
    • Selfas Self
    Philip Glass
    Philip Glass
    • Selfas Self
    Whoopi Goldberg
    Whoopi Goldberg
    • Selfas Self
    Roy Halee
    • Selfas Self
    Quincy Jones
    Quincy Jones
    • Selfas Self
    Vusi Khumalo
    • Selfas Self
    Bakithi Kumalo
    • Selfas Self
    Koloi Lebona
    • Selfas Self
    Ladysmith Black Mambazo
    • Selfas Self
    Hugh Masekela
    Hugh Masekela
    • Selfas Self
    Paul McCartney
    Paul McCartney
    • Selfas Self
    Lorne Michaels
    Lorne Michaels
    • Selfas Self
    • Director
      • Joe Berlinger
    • All cast & crew
    • See more cast details at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

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    • Connections
      Featured in Imagine: Paul Simon's Graceland: Under African Skies (2012)

    User reviews7

    Review
    Top review
    10/10
    About music, controversy and a different era
    Under African Skies rises above the standard music documentary to celebrate an iconic artist and/or album. In this case, it is set against the controversy about working with South African artists in a time when there was a UN cultural boycott against South Africa. What is shown in this documentary is how the iconic Graceland album (released in 1986) came about and most importantly: how the tracks were created. Defying and defending the free spirit of an artist, Paul Simon, who is above all a musician and not a politician, brought his fascination and respect for South African talented musicians (Ray Phiri, Ladysmith Black Mambazo) to the world via this album. Old footage is interspersed with newly shot material of Paul Simon's visit, 25 years since he first set foot in South Africa, and playing again with these same musicians. Warning: it is not possible to view this documentary without humming, singing and dancing along with the songs : )
    helpful•5
    0
    • lucia-thie
    • Jul 20, 2012

    Details

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    • Release date
      • May 25, 2012 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • United States
      • South Africa
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • 13 Notes: Paul Simon's Graceland Journey
    • Production company
      • RadicalMedia
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

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    • Runtime
      1 hour 48 minutes
    • Color
      • Color

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