“I’m so honored to be allowed to manifest my dreams after all this time,” Thompson said in a statement. “This is truly an honor. ‘Summer Of Soul’ is a passion project and to have it resonate with so many people on so many levels has been incredibly rewarding. I am very happy to begin this new chapter with the team at Searchlight/Disney/Hulu and look forward to sharing the important story behind the film with audiences worldwide.
Disney’s Searchlight and Hulu landed the doc in what’s been described as a bidding war between streamers, studios and specialized divisions. But the doc’s eventual record-breaking sale, “validates and values Black storytellers who have been underrepresented for many years,” according to an individual familiar with negotiations.
“It’s rare to find a film that captures the breadth of the Black American experience and also makes you want to dance, testify and sing out loud,” Duncan stated. “Ahmir has gifted us with a brilliantly crafted, nearly forgotten gem from our history, and we are honored to help bring ‘Summer Of Soul’ to audiences.”
“We’re honored Hulu and our upcoming Star and Star plus offerings will be the exclusive streaming homes around the world to this groundbreaking film,” Campbell continued.
Got to love Sly.