The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975 Summary

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The documentary "The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975" directed by Göran Olsson explores the Black Power Movement in this time period. It distinct itself from other documentary in the way it presents its content and arguments. This is mostly due to the fact that the footage was taken at the time, while many commentaries are from the 21st century. Authenticity and an informed presentation of events are reinforced through several social codes. However, both, the archival footage as well as the film were created by a Swedish film team and it begins by presenting an outside perspective of the makers themselves. They claim to portray an authentic image of America and therefore it also includes Afro-Americans (1:00). The film opens up with a long shot of the American flag, a symbol used to represent the themes freedom and equality for which the country stands for (0:43). Interestingly, the first conducted interview is with a white business owner, who believes in freedom of speech and equal opportunities for everyone in the USA (1:59). The interview then is followed by a shot of a white police officer (2:06). This contrast already underlines the difference between black and white Americans and hints at the issue of police brutality. Whilst white citizens may believe in the themes of the country, it may not apply to minorities. After a sequence of credits the documentary begins to chronologically show the events between 1967 and 1975. The archival footage emphasizes speech rather than