Freedom film fest
Miami University will host its inaugural Freedom Film Festival Nov. 8-12, following the presentation of the Freedom Summer of ‘64 Award to Hollywood film producer Reginald Hudlin at 7 p.m. Nov. 7, in Hall Auditorium.
During the film festival, Miami University alumnus and Boadway Distinguished Scholar-in-Residence Wil Haygood will be featured, along with the release of his new book, Colorization: One Hundred Years of Black Films in a White World.
Hudlin will be presented with the Freedom Summer of ’64 Award on Nov. 7, for his contributions in bringing Black images to screen. Haygood and Hudlin will conduct a question and answer session during the event.
The award is bestowed by Miami each year upon a distinguished leader who has inspired the nation to advance civil rights and social justice.
The film festival will be held in Leonard Theatre, Peabody Hall, Nov. 8-12. There will be a brief introduction to each film, the screening, and then a facilitated discussion about it. The films to be shown are:
■ Nov. 8, 7 to 9:30 p.m. “A Patch of Blue” — A fallingin-love story about a blind white woman and a Black man. Full of 1960s racial realism. Moderator: Andy Rice, assistant professor, Miami University department of media, journalism and film
■ Nov. 9, 7 to 9:30 p.m. “Carmen Jones” — Notable for Dorothy Dandridge, the first Black performer to receive a Best Actress Oscar nomination. Moderator: Kerry Hegarty, associate professor, Miami University department of media, journalism and film
■ Nov. 10, 7 to 9:45 p.m. “Imitation of Life” — A Black daughter denies her racial heritage with heartbreaking consequences. Moderator: Kim Tavares, Miami University associate vice president of alumni relations
■ Nov. 11, 7 to 9:30 p.m. “Shaft” — America was introduced to an unusual figure: A bold Black detective. Moderator: Ron Scott, Miami University Professor Emeritus of media and communication, former associate vice president of institutional diversity
■ Nov. 12, 7 to 9:45 p.m. “The Butler” — A White House butler served eight presidents. Inspired by an article written by Miami faculty member Wil Haygood. Moderator: Haygood, Miami University alumnus, Boadway Scholar-in-Residence, and author.