Under African Skies

Paul Simon’s historic Graceland album entered the history of modern pop music and sold millions of copies, uniting cultures, yet dividing world opinion on the boundaries of art, politics and commerce. On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Graceland’s release, Simon returns to South Africa for a reunion concert that re-lives the turbulent birth of the album. Despite its huge success as a popular fusion of American and African musical styles, Graceland generated an intense political crossfire. Simon was accused of breaking the United Nations’ cultural boycott of South Africa, which ultimately led to the end of apartheid. Filmmaker Joe Berlinger brilliantly intertwines both sides of a complex story as Simon revisits past demons and gains insights on his own musical journey. With contributions from Quincy Jones, Paul McCartney and David Byrne, the film is also a meditation on the role of the artist. (Karlovy Vary International Film Festival)