DAVE CHAPELLE'S
BLOCK PARTY

Year: 2005
USA: Focus Features
UK: Optimum Releasing
Cast: Dave Chapelle, Kanye West, Mos Def, Erykah Badu, the Roots (James Gray, Leonard Hubbard), the Fugees (Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, Pras), Talib Kweli, Jill Scott, Bilal Ahmir, Big Daddy Kane, Cody Chestnutt, Common, Kool G Rap, Freeway, Fred Hampton Jr., James Gray, Leonard Hubbard, Tariq Trotter, Tiffany Limos, Dead Prez, The Brooklyn Steppers marching band
Director: Michael Gondry
Country: USA
USA: 93 mins
UK: 103 mins
USA Rated: R for language
UK Certificate: 15 contains strong language
USA Release Date: 3 March 2006 (Limited Release)
UK Release Date: 30 June 2006

Synopsis

A genuine crowd-pleaser, DAVE CHAPPELLE'S BLOCK PARTY spotlights comedy superstar Dave Chappelle as he presents a Brooklyn neighborhood with its very own once-in-a-lifetime free block party. The unprecedented combination of comedy and music was shot on location. In addition to Mr. Chappelle performing all-new material, the stellar roster of artists includes Kanye West, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Common, Dead Prez, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, the Roots, Cody ChesnuTT, Big Daddy Kane, and - reunited for their first performance in over seven years - the Fugees.

Academy Award-winning filmmaker Michel Gondry and his Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind cinematographer Ellen Kuras capture all of the exclusive performances and crowd excitement on an unforgettable Saturday afternoon and night, as well as (earlier in the week) private rehearsals footage and Mr. Chappelle in the small Ohio town he calls home.

In Ohio, Mr. Chappelle wandered through town handing out golden tickets to invite several dozen citizens to join the party, providing transportation and lodging for their first-time-ever visit to Brooklyn. Ohio's Central State University marching band made the trip and helped kick off the festivities at the intersection of Quincy and Downing Streets. As a diverse crowd comes together, Mr. Chappelle's freestyle wit guides them (and us) through a day long, life-affirming celebration of music and comedy, history and community.

The line up of performers is distinguished not only by the caliber of their music but also by the strength and power that their art draws from keeping their creativity pure. Offering moviegoers front-row seats at a unique entertainment and communal experience, DAVE CHAPELLE'S BLOCK PARTY showcases how vital and vibrant music and humor can unite us and help transcend our turbulent times.