How It Feels to Be Free poster
FilmDocumentary

How It Feels to Be Free (2021)

2021-01-18 · 2h 0m · EN
▶ Play trailerIMDb ↗
Sign in to build your library →

How Six African-American Female Performers Challenged the Entertainment Industry

Tells the inspiring story of how six iconic African American female entertainers – Lena Horne, Abbey Lincoln, Nina Simone, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson and Pam Grier – challenged an entertainment industry deeply complicit in perpetuating racist stereotypes, and transformed themselves and their audiences in the process.

Read the How It Feels to Be Free feature →
Yoruba RichenDirectorRuth FeldsteinWriter

Where to watch How It Feels to Be Free

All countries & options →
Stream
PBS Documentaries Amazon Channel
Rent
Amazon Video
Buy
Amazon Video
Where to watch How It Feels to Be Free in your country →

Showing US. Availability data by JustWatch.

Media

Top billed cast

Full cast & crew →
Abbey LincolnAbbey LincolnSelf (archival footage)Nina SimoneNina SimoneSelf (archival footage)Diahann CarrollDiahann CarrollSelf (archival footage)Pam GrierPam GrierSelf (archival footage)Lena HorneLena HorneSelf (archival footage)Cicely TysonCicely TysonSelf (archival footage)

Movie DNA

Genre affinityDocumentaryDirector preference399760Actor preference291820 · 274050 · 131416Country preferenceUsDecade preference2020Runtime preferenceMedium

More like this

More Documentary →
Guy Ritchie's The Covenant★ 7.8Viewing moment
Guy Ritchie's The Covenant
2023
Ultimate Iron Man: The Making of Iron Man 2★ 6.5Viewing moment
Ultimate Iron Man: The Making of Iron Man 2
2010
Pure Imagination: The Story of 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory'★ 6.8Viewing moment
Pure Imagination: The Story of 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory'
2001
Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts★ 7.3Viewing moment
Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts
2022
X-Rated: The Greatest Adult Movies of All Time★ 6.2Viewing moment
X-Rated: The Greatest Adult Movies of All Time
2015
Fresh Meat: Jeffrey Dahmer★ 7.4Viewing moment
Fresh Meat: Jeffrey Dahmer
2021
Pornocracy: The New Sex Multinationals★ 6.7Viewing moment
Pornocracy: The New Sex Multinationals
2017
Creating the World of Harry Potter, Part 1: The Magic Begins★ 5.5Viewing moment
Creating the World of Harry Potter, Part 1: The Magic Begins
2009
j-hope IN THE BOX★ 2Viewing moment
j-hope IN THE BOX
2023
After Porn Ends 2★ 5.3Viewing moment
After Porn Ends 2
2017
Look, Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman★ 7.4Viewing moment
Look, Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman
2006
Once Upon a Time: The Super Heroes★ 6.7Viewing moment
Once Upon a Time: The Super Heroes
2001

Frequently asked questions about How It Feels to Be Free

What is How It Feels to Be Free about?

Tells the inspiring story of how six iconic African American female entertainers – Lena Horne, Abbey Lincoln, Nina Simone, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson and Pam Grier – challenged an entertainment industry deeply complicit in perpetuating racist stereotypes, and transformed themselves and their audiences in the process.

How long is How It Feels to Be Free?

How It Feels to Be Free has a runtime of 120 minutes.

Where can I watch How It Feels to Be Free?

Open the Vlovu watch guide for current streaming, rental, and purchase options.