The United States of Hoodoo is a documentary film by filmmaker and author Oliver Hardt. The film explores the influence of African-based spirituality on American popular culture. Hardt delves into the connection between African religious belief and the evolvement of American popular culture over the years.
The documentary features interviews with a wide range of people, from musicians and artists to healers and gumbo cooks. Some notable figures who appear in the film include blues musician Taj Mahal, DJ Spooky, and writer Ishmael Reed.
Through these interviews, Hardt seeks to demonstrate how African religious belief has informed American popular culture. He shows how the influences of African religious belief have manifested themselves in various forms of American art and culture, from music to literature and beyond.
The documentary also explores the ways in which African religious belief has been reworked and transformed over the centuries. Hardt highlights the ways in which African religious belief has been adapted and transformed in response to the unique challenges posed by American society.
Ultimately, The United States of Hoodoo is a fascinating exploration of the complex interplay of religions, cultures, and traditions that have helped to shape America's rich and diverse cultural landscape. It seeks to shake up traditional and stereotypical ways of thinking about race, religion, and rationality. Through its engaging and thought-provoking approach, it offers viewers a new way of looking at the world around us.