Films & Events

Part of our Black History Month film series. See the full lineup.

Celebrate the powerful intersection of music, history, and culture with Wattstax, a landmark concert film documenting the 1972 benefit event organized by Stax Records. Held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the Watts riots, the concert brought together some of the greatest names in soul, gospel, R&B, blues, funk, and jazz, including Isaac Hayes, The Staple Singers, and Rufus Thomas.

Accolades and Special Awards:

• Nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Documentary in 1974
• Selected for preservation by the Library of Congress in the National Film Registry in 2020 for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance
• Restored and remastered in 2003 for a new generation of viewers

With powerful live performances and candid interviews, Wattstax provides a moving portrayal of African-American identity, pride, and resilience in post-riot Los Angeles. Despite the film’s “R” rating for strong language, Stax promoted it as “Rated ‘R’ Because it’s Real,” a fitting slogan for a documentary that dives deep into the heart of American music and social change.

Experience this iconic moment in music history on the big screen and witness the passion, energy, and timeless sound of Stax Records.

1973. 98 min.

Rated R