The long-awaited Freaknik Hulu documentary, which premiered at SXSW on Tuesday night and is set to stream on Hulu next week, has become something of a running joke. It’s speculated that Gen Z kids will be astounded to witness their parents, aunts, and uncles “freaking” on their screens. Originating as an annual Spring Break festival in Atlanta, initially aimed at students from historically Black colleges and universities, Freaknik gained notoriety in the ’90s for its scandalous reputation, including instances of public sex, nudity, and, of course, plenty of booty shaking.
“Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told,” presented by Hulu, doesn’t shy away from these allegations. Director P. Frank Williams boldly opens the documentary with a montage showcasing blurred-out scenes of girls flashing the camera and dancing atop cars. However, the film presents an alternative perspective to the often sensationalized and disapproving narrative surrounding Freaknik. Rather than delving into salacious gossip, “Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told” paints a picture of a vibrant and empowering event rooted in pure Black joy and youthful exuberance. Expecting scandalous tales may lead to disappointment; instead, the documentary serves up a lighthearted trip down ’80s and ’90s nostalgia lane, enriched by insightful interviews and a treasure trove of archival footage.
Executive produced by rappers Luke Campbell, Jermaine Dupri, and 21 Savage—both of whom hail from Atlanta—”Freaknik” begins its historical journey with a lesson on the significance of the Georgia city in African American culture, business, and politics. Notably, Atlanta is home to several prestigious HBCUs, including Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College. It was at Spelman where the inaugural Freaknik emerged in 1983, initiated by the DC Metro Club student organization as a simple picnic for students staying on campus during spring break. In a heartwarming reunion, director Williams brings together five of the original organizers—Emma Horton, Monique Tolliver, Amadi Boon, Tony Towns, and Sharon Toomer—in 2023.
Amidst hugs and laughter, Boon remarks, “You all still look the same, except now Emma’s hair is blue!” The former classmates fondly recall their unintended legacy, which they insist was never meant to be anything beyond a family-friendly Southern cookout in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park for students unable to travel over break. While beer was present, there were no reports of public sex. Inspired by the 1978 hit “Le Freak” by Chic, the event was dubbed “Freaknic,” blending “freak” and “picnic” into one.
Following its successful debut, the Freaknic picnic became an annual tradition, attracting attention from other Black colleges in the region and eventually gaining nationwide recognition. By 1989, the festival had become so ingrained in African American culture that it earned a mention on the popular sitcom “A Different World,” a spin-off of “The Cosby Show” set in a fictional HBCU. From then on, the festival evolved into a city-wide celebration, drawing Black students from across the country to Atlanta, while white college students flocked to Daytona Beach in Florida.
As the documentary delves into the wilder moments of ’90s Freaknik—featuring interviews with notable rappers such as Campbell, Dupri, 21 Savage, Lil Jon, CeeLo Green, and Too $hort—it maintains its jovial and celebratory tone. Campbell may take credit for infusing the festival with his signature Miami party vibes in ’94, but the focus remains on Freaknik as a cultural phenomenon—a vibrant tapestry of music, fashion, dance, and sheer enjoyment. Grainy camcorder footage captures women shaking their hips and baring their chests, yet their radiant smiles convey a sense of liberation and joy rather than vulgarity.
Towards the end of the documentary, it briefly touches upon the darker aspects of the festival—allegations of assault and rape. However, Williams and his fellow producers opt not to dwell on these troubling incidents, preferring to preserve the memory of Freaknik as a joyful moment in history, albeit one that can never be fully replicated. In this regard, “Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told” triumphs as an homage to an era of uninhibited celebration. Getting your “freak” on has never looked so carefree and exhilarating.
