By Katherine Winston
It’s refreshing to see more filmmakers making movies about real-life leaders rather than fictional characters born out of comic books. We recently interviewed Julie Taymor on her journey in making a feature film of Gloria Steinem’s My Life On The Road titled The Glorias and it was definitely an adventure worth watching!
Up next, we will be in conversation with Dawn Porter to discuss her latest film, John Lewis: Good Trouble, which explores the pivotal role of Congressman John Lewis in the Civil Rights movement. This documentary also dives into his most recent political and social activism on important issues including voting rights, immigration laws – the list goes on.
Civil Rights Icon. Defender of Justice. Real Life Hero. John Lewis was all this and so much more.
In her intimate account of the legendary U.S. Representative’s life and legacy, director Dawn Porter takes us through his more than 60 years of extraordinary activism – from the bold teenager on the front lines of the Civil Rights' movement to the legislative powerhouse he became.
After Lewis petitioned Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to help integrate a segregated school in his hometown of Troy, Alabama, King sent "the boy from Troy" a round trip bus ticket to meet with him. From that meeting onward, Lewis became one of King's closest allies. He organized Freedom Rides that left him bloodied or jailed, and stood at the front lines in the historic marches on Washington and Selma.
Lewis continued to protect civil rights as a sitting Member of Congress. He never lost the spirit of the "boy from Troy" and continued to call on his fellow Americans to get into "good trouble" throughout his life.
“John Lewis: Good Trouble” is a moving tribute to a real-life hero who was at the forefront of many hard-won battles for lasting change. You can watch it now on:
To learn more about Dawn Porter’s journey in making this film, join us for a LIVE Q&A on July 21st at 10:00 am PT here during POWER HOUR, presented by Winston Baker in partnership with The Creative Coalition and hosted by Robin Bronk.