Indie Lens Pop-Up, presented by ITVS, INDEPENDENT LENS, and WSIU with partner the Carbondale Public Library will host a screening of “WE WANT THE FUNK!” featuring a free dinner and community discussion. “WE WANT THE FUNK!” features some of the most iconic musical legends, including James Brown, George Clinton, Questlove, David Bowie, and Elton John. Directed by Stanley Nelson and co-directed and produced by Nicole London, the documentary is a syncopated voyage through the history of funk music.
From the early work of James Brown and the rise of Parliament-Funkadelic through the present day, “WE WANT THE FUNK!” provides a kaleidoscopic look into the history of funk music. Distinctly urban, funk music reflected a post-Civil Rights Movement sensibility. The film examines the symbiotic relationship between the explosion of funk music and the political and racial dynamics in 1970s America.
WHAT: preview screening of “WE WANT THE FUNK!” with community discussion and free dinner
WHEN: Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 5pm to 7pm
WHERE: Carbondale Public Library, 405 W Main St, Carbondale, IL 62901
After the screening, participate in an engaging and interactive discussion about the journey of funk music and its place in Black and American culture along with the legends who paved the way.
“WE WANT THE FUNK!” will debut on April 8, 2025, at 8 p.m. on WSIU, PBS and the PBS app (check local listings).
For more information, visit INDEPENDENT LENS.
About Indie Lens Pop-Up
Indie Lens Pop-Up is a community series that brings people together for film screenings and conversations. Featuring documentaries seen on PBS's INDEPENDENT LENS, Indie Lens Pop-Up draws local residents, leaders, and organizations to discuss what matters most. Learn more at pbs.org/indielenspopup.
About INDEPENDENT LENS INDEPENDENT LENS is an Emmy® Award-winning PBS documentary series. With founding executive producer Lois Vossen, the series has been honored with 10 Academy Award nominations and features documentaries united by the creative freedom, artistic achievement, and unflinching visions of independent filmmakers. Presented by ITVS, INDEPENDENT LENS is funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Acton Family Giving, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Ford Foundation, Park Foundation, Wyncote Foundation, and National Endowment for the Arts. Stream anytime on the PBS app. For more visit pbs.org/independentlens.
