Filmmakers Stanley Nelson and Nicole London have released a documentary titled "We Want the Funk!" tracing the history of funk music [1].

The project examines how the genre served as more than entertainment, acting as a reflection of the civil rights movement and the political volatility of the era [2]. By linking musical evolution to social struggle, the film provides a historical record of Black resistance and cultural identity in the U.S. [3].

The documentary explores the foundational elements of the genre, beginning with its African and jazz roots [1]. It specifically highlights early tracks by influential artists such as James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic to demonstrate the sound's progression [1].

Central to the narrative is the rapid rise of funk during the 1970s [4]. The film illustrates how the music mirrored the urban political tensions of that decade, a period marked by systemic struggle and a push for liberation [2].

Produced by ARTE, the film has been broadcast on PBS in the United States and is available on ARTE’s platform in France [2, 5]. The production seeks to uncover the revolutionary nature of the music and its lasting impact on global culture [1, 2].

Viewers can access the documentary on the ARTE platform until Jan. 28, 2027 [4].

“The documentary explores the foundational elements of the genre, beginning with its African and jazz roots.”

By framing funk music within the context of the civil rights movement and urban unrest, the documentary positions the genre as a tool of political expression rather than just a musical style. This approach highlights the intersection of art and activism, suggesting that the sonic innovations of the 1970s were direct responses to the sociopolitical climate of the U.S.