The September 21 screening introduced by Professor Locksley Edmondson (Africana Studies)
Parliamentarian abolitionist William Wilberforce’s 18-year battle to end the British slave trade is told in this crowd-pleasing biopic by Michael Apted. Spanning the years between 1782 (when Wilberforce joined Parliament at the tender age of 23) and 1807 (when the UK finally banned slavery), the film shows the activist working towards a victory that arrives only after nearly two decades of dogged determination. Buoyed by Ioan Gruffudd’s acclaimed portrayal of Wilberforce, a sense of humor and the appearance of several talented British actors, Amazing Grace honors an important history with a “lively and earnest” film about a man’s quest for justice. (Salon.com) . more at amazinggracemovie.com 35mm
2006, color, 1 hour 51 minutes, UK/USA