Nationtime (1972)

A profound historical canvas comes to life in William Greaves' Nationtime, a film that encapsulates the fervor and spirit of the 1972 National Black Political Convention. Held in the industrious heartland of Gary, Indiana, this ground-breaking event stirred a symphony of black voices from every corner of the political sphere. Among them were prominent figures like Jesse Jackson, Dick Gregory, Coretta Scott King, Richard Hatcher, Amiri Baraka, Charles Diggs, and H. Carl McCall, whose divergent perspectives converged to shape a significant chapter in American history. The film, narrated by the charismatic duo of Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte, was viewed as too revolutionary for the television screens of its time. As a result, it only circulated in an edited 58-minute version that barely scratched the surface of its potent narrative. However, the newly restored 4K version reinstates the film to its original 80-minute length and visual brilliance. Nationtime is more than a documentary; it's an unflinching reportage, an avant-garde masterpiece that plunges viewers into the heart of a transformative era, reminding us of a time when unity and dialogue were the catalysts for change. This film is not only a testament to the power of collective voices but also a mirror reflecting the resilience and tenacity of a community seeking political recognition and social justice.

Nationtime is a documentary movie featuring Sidney Poitier and directed by William Greaves.

Nationtime is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Metrograph.

It is also possible to buy Nationtime on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Kino Now, Vudu and YouTube.