BECOMING FREDERICK DOUGLASS (56 Minutes) is the inspiring story of how a man born into slavery became one of the most prominent statesmen and influential voices for democracy in American history. Born in 1818 in Maryland, he escaped from slavery in 1838 and went on to become the most well-known leader of the abolitionist movement. A gifted writer and powerful, charismatic orator, it is estimated that more Americans heard Douglass speak than any other 19th-century figure — Black or white. The documentary explores how Douglass controlled his own image and narrative, embracing photography as a tool for social justice, and the role he played in securing the right to freedom and complete equality for African Americans. Executive produced by Academy Award-nominated Stanley Nelson and Lynne Robinson, the film is produced and directed by Nelson and Nicole London. The film features the voice of acclaimed actor Wendell Pierce as Douglass. More information is available on the film’s website.
HARRIET TUBMAN: VISIONS OF FREEDOM (57 Minutes) is a rich and nuanced portrait of the woman known as a conductor of the Underground Railroad, who repeatedly risked her own life and freedom to liberate others from slavery. Born in Dorchester County, Maryland, 200 years ago — 2022 marks her bicentennial —Tubman escaped north to Philadelphia in 1849, covering more than 100 miles alone. Once there, Tubman became involved in the abolitionist movement, and through the Underground Railroad guided more than 70 enslaved people to freedom. The film goes beyond the legend of Tubman to explore what motivated her — including divine inspiration — to become one of the greatest freedom fighters in our nation’s history. Executive produced by Academy Award-nominated Stanley Nelson and Lynne Robinson, the film is produced and directed by Nelson and Nicole London. The film is narrated by Emmy® Award-winning actor Alfre Woodard. Actor Wendell Pierce is featured as the voice of abolitionist Frederick Douglass. More information is available on the film’s website.
Join us for a discussion after the films with Executive Producer Stanley Nelson.
Stanley Nelson is today’s leading documentarian of the African American experience. His films combine compelling narratives with rich historical detail to shine new light on the under-explored American past. Awards received over the course of his career include a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship, five Primetime Emmy®Awards, and lifetime achievement awards from the Emmys and IDA. In 2013, Nelson received the National Medal in the Humanities from President Obama. In 2019, Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool was nominated by the GRAMMY®Awards for Best Music Film and went on to win two Emmy Awards at the 42nd Annual News and Documentary Emmy Awards.Nelson’s latest documentary Attica, for SHOWTIME Documentary Films, was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 94thAcademy Awards®and earned him the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Documentary. In 2021,Nelson also directed the feature film Crack: Cocaine, Corruption & Conspiracyfor Netflix, which was a 2022 duPont-Columbia Awards Finalist, and Tulsa Burning: The 1921 Race Massacre, with co-director Marco Williams, for the HISTORY Channel, which was nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards. Nelson also executive produced After Jackiefor the HISTORY Channel in 2022 about the generation of Black baseball players who came after Jackie Robinson.In 2000, Nelson and his wife, Marcia Smith, co-founded Firelight Media, a non-profit production company dedicated to advancing contemporary social justice issues, amplifying underrepresented narratives, and fostering a new generation of diverse filmmakers.
