Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening Poster

Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening 2018

★ 7.96 votes📅 2018-11-22

Dive into the extraordinary life of Josephine Baker, the first Black superstar, with *Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening (2018)*, a captivating documentary directed by Ilana Navaro.

Director: Ilana Navaro

Cast

Josephine Baker
Josephine Baker
Self (archive footage)
Léonie Simaga
Léonie Simaga
Narrator (voice)
Sara Martins
Sara Martins
Josephine Baker (voice)
Tracy Denean Sharpley-Whiting
Self
Simon Njami
Self
Margo Jefferson
Self
Katja Amberger
Katja Amberger
Self (voice)
Monia Douieb
Speaker (voice)
Anke Solveig Jeschke
Self (voice)
Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Self (archive footage)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening (2018) about?

This documentary follows Josephine Baker's meteoric rise from a struggling Black girl in Missouri to the glittering Queen of Paris, her covert work in the French Resistance, and her unconventional dream of creating a multicultural family through the "Rainbow Tribe." It's a story of reinvention, activism, and the power of embracing one's identity.

Who directed Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening?

The film was directed by Ilana Navaro, who brings a keen eye for detail and a reverence for Baker's legacy to this project.

Who stars in Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening?

The documentary features insights from Léonie Simaga, Sara Martins, Tracy Denean Sharpley-Whiting, Simon Njami, and Margo Jefferson.

Is Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening (2018) worth watching?

Absolutely—if you're drawn to inspiring biographical stories, this documentary is a gem. It's a compelling blend of music, history, and human triumph, making it a rewarding watch for fans of documentaries and cultural icons alike.

How long is Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening?

Runtime details are not listed.

🎥 Trailer

About Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening (2018) — A Defiant Life of Stardom, Resistance, and Legacy

Dive into the extraordinary life of Josephine Baker, the first Black superstar, with *Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening (2018)*, a captivating documentary directed by Ilana Navaro. This film traces Baker's journey from a poverty-stricken childhood in Missouri to becoming the dazzling Queen of Paris in the 1920s, before her daring involvement in the French Resistance during World War II. Beyond her fame as a performer, the documentary explores Baker's legacy as a humanitarian and adoptive mother to twelve children from diverse backgrounds, forming her iconic "Rainbow Tribe." Through archival footage and expert commentary, Navaro crafts an intimate portrait of resilience, courage, and reinvention. The atmosphere is a blend of nostalgia, admiration, and inspiration, perfect for fans of music history and biographical films.

Starring Léonie Simaga, Sara Martins, and Tracy Denean Sharpley-Whiting, *Josephine Baker: The Story of an Awakening* offers a fresh perspective on one of the 20th century's most trailblazing figures. The film doesn't just celebrate her artistry but also examines the societal challenges she overcame, making it a must-watch for anyone drawn to stories of defiance and triumph. Whether streaming or downloading, this documentary is a vibrant tribute to a woman who turned adversity into art and activism.