Virginia Film Festival

Based on the extraordinary life of Harriet Tubman, this film chronicles the American hero’s escape from slavery and transformation into a history-making abolitionist. Tubman’s courage, ingenuity, and tenacity through dangerous missions helped free hundreds of slaves using the Underground Railroad and changed the course of history. From acclaimed writer/director Kasi Lemmons, this triumphant story of one woman’s journey to freedom remembers the dark and grueling realities of slavery in America. Leading with the themes of rebellion, justice, and the quest for freedom, Harriet brings to light the impact of a crucial figure who worked to dismantle an oppressive establishment unlike any other. Discussion with actor Vanessa Bell Calloway and producer Daniela Taplin Lundberg, moderated by Jamelle Bouie (The New York Times)

Due to a last minute scheduling conflict, Debra Martin Chase is no longer able to attend

Presented by Wells Fargo

This film is part of the Race in America series presented by James Madison’s Montpelier and supported by Bama Works Fund at the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, the UVA Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights, and the UVA Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Our screening of Harriet will be preceded by a short presentation with Virginia Film Office director Andy Edmunds honoring the three winners of the 2019 Virginia Screenwriting Competition.  Over thirty years ago, the Virginia Screenwriting Competition was created to celebrate the accomplishments of Virginia writers, including past winners Vince Gilligan (Home Fries, Breaking Bad) and Megan Holley (Sunshine Cleaning), and to promote the future of filmmaking in Virginia.