Watch Birth of a Movement

Birth of a Movement is a documentary film that delves into the history of one of the most controversial and racist films of all time, The Birth of a Nation. The film is directed by Susan Gray and is produced by Henry Louis Gates Jr. The documentary is narrated by Academy Award-winning actor Danny Glover and chronicles the uprising that occurred in 1915 against The Birth of a Nation, and the powerful way in which the filmmakers, led by William Monroe Trotter, helped to forever change the way African Americans were portrayed in film.

The Birth of a Nation, which was directed by D.W. Griffith, was a film that glorified the Ku Klux Klan and portrayed black characters as buffoons and rapists. The film was extremely popular upon release, but it sparked massive backlash from the black community and others who saw it as a propaganda piece that promoted white supremacy.

The Birth of a Movement examines how William Monroe Trotter and others worked to stop the film from being distributed and shown across the country. Trotter, who was the editor of the Boston Guardian, was a fierce advocate for racial justice and worked tirelessly to ensure that African Americans were portrayed in a positive light in the media. Trotter and others waged a campaign against the film that included boycotts, protests, and civil disobedience.

The documentary uses powerful archival footage to take viewers back to a time when racial tensions were at an all-time high. We see the powerful impact that The Birth of a Nation had on white America, and how it ignited a resurgence of the KKK. The film also explores the ways in which African Americans used the power of the press to push back on the harmful and racist stereotypes that were perpetuated in the film.

Throughout the documentary, the filmmakers interview scholars and historians who provide much-needed context for the story being told. We learn about the history of blackface in America and the ways in which minstrel shows portrayed African Americans as buffoons to be ridiculed. We also hear about other groundbreaking films that were made by black filmmakers who sought to counter the harmful depictions of African Americans that were so prevalent at the time.

One of the most powerful aspects of Birth of a Movement is its exploration of the ways in which black people pushed back against racism and oppression. Trotter and others were able to mobilize a strong and passionate movement against a film that was intended to promote the very things they were fighting against. The film speaks to the power of collective action and the ways in which marginalized communities can stand up against injustice and win.

Danny Glover's narration is perfect for the film, as he brings a gravitas and weight to the project that matches its subject matter perfectly. Glover infuses the film with a passion and a conviction that make it impossible to look away. The score is also noteworthy, as it adds an emotional depth to the story that is palpable.

Overall, Birth of a Movement is a powerful and important documentary that sheds light on an often-overlooked part of American history. It is a film that explores the ways in which films shape our perceptions of the world and how powerful the media can be in promoting racism and oppression. At the same time, the film is a celebration of the ways in which people can come together to fight against injustice and how the struggle for racial justice in America has been ongoing for centuries. This is a must-see film for anyone who wants to learn about the long and difficult history of race in America.

Birth of a Movement is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 54 minutes.