Bloomington, Indiana – Music lovers and film enthusiasts are in for a special treat as WTIU Public Television presents a free preview screening of We Want the Funk! at the IU Cinema on Sunday, April 6, at 1 p.m. The event offers a unique opportunity to experience the highly anticipated documentary before its television premiere.
Directed by acclaimed filmmakers Stanley Nelson and Nicole London, We Want the Funk! explores the origins and evolution of funk music, tracing its deep roots in African rhythms and gospel traditions. The film takes audiences on a rhythmic journey through the genre’s rise, celebrating its cultural impact and influence on modern music, fashion, and artistic expression. From the groundbreaking performances of James Brown to the psychedelic sounds of Parliament-Funkadelic, the documentary showcases the genre’s revolutionary spirit and its role in shaping contemporary music scenes, including hip-hop.
The screening at IU Cinema, located at 1213 E. 7th St. in Bloomington, is free but requires a ticket for entry. Attendees can secure their tickets in advance through the IU Cinema website at cinema.indiana.edu or by visiting the IU Auditorium Box Office at 1211 E. 7th St.
We Want the Funk! goes beyond music, examining the socio-political landscape that influenced its explosion in the 1970s. The film highlights the connection between funk and the racial and political dynamics of inner-city America during that era. Through firsthand accounts from legendary musicians such as George Clinton (Parliament-Funkadelic), Fred Wesley (The J.B.’s), Robert “Kool” Bell (Kool & The Gang), and Nona Hendryx (Labelle), the documentary offers an intimate look at the genre’s pioneers. The film also features insights from cultural icons like Questlove, David Byrne, and Prince Paul, as well as archival interviews with James Brown, David Bowie, and Elton John.
Following the Bloomington screening, We Want the Funk! will make its television debut on WTIU on Tuesday, April 8, at 9 p.m. Viewers will also be able to stream the film for free on the PBS app, allowing broader access to this in-depth exploration of funk’s history and legacy.
For those eager to get a glimpse of the film before the screening, a trailer and additional details can be found at pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/we-want-the-funk. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the music, energy, and spirit of funk with a special community screening at IU Cinema.
