Sing Your Song

Sing Your Song is a compelling 2011 biographical documentary that focuses on the life, career, and activism of the renowned singer, actor, and civil rights activist, Harry Belafonte. This compelling cinematic piece is a magnificent exploration of Harry Belafonte's multifaceted personality and influence, told through his perspective.

Harry Belafonte, for those unfamiliar, is an iconic star who rose to fame during the '50s and '60s, being the first Black musician to sell a million copies of an album. But his prowess and relevance extend beyond his musical achievements. The film adroitly works its way through his many accomplishments: from his foundational years, his rise to stardom, and his activism in the civil rights movement to his continued relevance in today's dialogues about race, inequality, and social justice.

A key strength of Sing Your Song is its avoidance of a standard chronological retelling of Belafonte's life. Instead, it draws upon the themes that have been persistent in his journey. His story begins in Harlem, where he grew up in a family of Jamaican immigrants. Poverty, racial discrimination, and the frequent absence of his mother, a domestic worker who was often away from home, shaped his early life and instilled in him a deep desire to speak out against injustice.

Musical interludes are smartly woven into the fabric of the film, featuring some of Belafonte's most popular hits including his best-selling album, "Calypso," and classics like "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)" and "Jump in the Line." The tunes serve a double purpose, showcasing Belafonte's incredible talent, while also situating viewers in the socio-historical context of the time.

On the acting front, Belafonte's cinematic breakthrough came when he starred in "Carmen Jones" in 1954, becoming one of the first Black leading men in Hollywood. Not just film and music, Belafonte's talents branched out into television, where he broke many racial barriers. The film highlights these achievements, while focusing equally on Belafonte's counter-culture spirit, like when he brought phenomenally talented Black artists to the mainstream music and film industry.

Apart from his stellar career in entertainment, Sing Your Song also extensively documents Belafonte's tireless commitment to social justice. Driven by his early experiences of poverty and racism, he aligned himself with the Civil Rights Movement, using his platform to spotlight these issues. The film portrays Belafonte as a bridge between Martin Luther King Jr. and the Kennedy brothers, influencing policy changes. Cameo interviews with important figures like Sidney Poitier and Marge Champion serve to validate this portrayal, reflecting on Belafonte's dedication to the cause.

The documentary is also impactful because it does not stop at Belafonte's Civil Rights activism. Instead, it goes on to chronicle his involvement in other global issues, including the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa and the famine in Ethiopia. A consistent theme is his belief in the power of celebrities using their platforms for catalyzing political and social change.

Yet, the film does not shy away from showing the personal and professional costs that often come with an intense commitment to public causes. Balanced with the highs of Belafonte's life are the lows, including his estrangement from his family and his evolving relevance in the changing landscape of American entertainment.

In terms of production, Sing Your Song is meticulously crafted. Seamlessly interweaving interviews, personal reflections by Belafonte, photographs, newsreels, and film clips from his extensive career, it skillfully merges the personal and the political, effectively painting an accurate portrait of this remarkable figure. Directed by Susanne Rostock, the film not only offers an in-depth biography of Belafonte but also presents a critical historical context that allows viewers to fully appreciate his contributions and understand the magnitude of his influence.

In the end, Sing Your Song is a touching tribute to Harry Belafonte, a rule breaker, innovator, and tireless activist. For fans of Belafonte, the film offers rare personal insight into his life and work. For those unfamiliar with his name, the film serves as an engaging and enlightening tribute to a man whose contribution to music, film, television, and social justice are truly unparalleled. The film is not just a biography but also a conversation-starter about the power of art in combatting social inequality and injustice, leaving viewers with something to reflect on long after the credits roll.