SXSW unveiled its lineup for 2024, featuring the world premiere of Hulu’s “Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told.”
Directed by P. Frank Williams, “Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told” is a celebratory exploration of the boisterous times of Freaknik, the iconic Atlanta street party that drew hundreds of thousands of people in the ’80s and ’90s, helping put Atlanta on the map culturally. What began as a Black college cookout soon became known for lurid tales of highway hookups and legendary late-night parties that ultimately led to the festival’s downfall. At its height, Freaknik was a traffic-stopping, city-shuttering juggernaut that has since become a cult classic.
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The documentary features appearances and commentary from 21 Savage, Too $hort, Jermaine Dupri, Killer Mike, Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell, Ceelo Green, Jalen Rose, Kenny Burns, Lil Jon, Legendary Jerry, Sharon Toomer, Emma Horton, Monique Tolliver, Amadi Boon, and Stacy Lloyd.
The project comes from Executive Producers Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell, Jermaine Dupri, 21 Savage, Terry “TR” Ross, Melissa Cooper, Alex Avant, Tresa Sanders, Geraldine L. Porras, P. Frank Williams, Eric Tomosunas, and Peter Bittenbender. Jay Allen, Nikki Byles are attached as producers and masterfully crafted by Mass Appeal & Swirl Films.
“Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told” will premiere at the ZACH Theatre on Mar 12, 2024, from 9:30 pm to 10:52 pm and Mar 14, 2024, from 2:30 pm to 3:52 pm.
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Hulu made waves in 2023 with the announcement of this documentary, chronicling the history of Freaknik. The documentary raises the intriguing question: “Can the magic of Freaknik be brought back 40 years later?”
Originating in 1982 as a small HBCU end-of-year party, Freaknik rapidly grew, becoming a nationwide attraction in Atlanta by the ’90s. It evolved into a massive street party, featuring dance contests, concerts, parties, rap sessions, and job fairs, solidifying Atlanta’s place as a cultural hub.
Success, however, led to challenges, and in 1998, the Atlanta Committee for Black College Spring Break distanced itself from Freaknik due to concerns about safety and public order. The festival concluded in 1999, primarily due to traffic problems.
Despite its controversial end, Freaknik remains a cherished cultural moment, with recent attempts to reboot the event through celebrity-hosted parties and festivals. The documentary serves as a nostalgic journey, offering a retrospective view of this iconic era and contemplating the potential resurrection of Freaknik’s magic.