“Descendant” is a 2022 documentary about the past and present history of the Clotilda and Africatown. The Clotilda was a slave ship that illegally transported what is believed to be the last group of kidnapped Africans to America. After the Civil War, the group settled in an area of Alabama near where they first arrived and established a Black settlement that would come to be called Africatown. The documentary tells the story of the survivors of the Clotilda and follows their descendants’ fight to maintain control of their town and legacy when the ship’s remains are finally located.
Tag: <span>documentary</span>
Summary Teddy Pendergrass: If You Don’t Know Me is an inspirational 2018 documentary directed by Olivia Lichtenstein about the life and career of the legendary R&B singer. Born and raised…
“Black Hollywood: They’ve Gotta Have Us” is a three-part television miniseries about the history of Black actors and filmmakers in Hollywood. Directed by Simon Frederick, the series features commentary and insights from actors, directors, and others involved in the making of films. They discuss not only specific notable films and roles but also a more birds eye view of how the landscape has changed and also remained the same for Black people in Hollywood.
“Through a Lens Darkly” is a 2014 documentary directed by Thomas Allen Harris about the history of Black people in America both in front and behind the lens. The film explores how the camera has been used at various times to shape the public image of Black America. Beginning during slavery and ending in the recent past, the documentary presents and discusses photos of Black people from through the decades but also presents short profiles of notable Black photographers.
“When the Levees Broke” is a 2006 Spike Lee documentary about the impact of 2005’s Hurricane Katrina on the city of New Orleans. Residents of the city explain the events and their experiences leading up to, during, and after the hurricane made landfall. The film also explores the government’s preparation and response or lack thereof and its impact in the wake of this natural disaster.