“Freedom Riders” is one of the best documentaries released in recent years and is destined to become a classic!
Inspiring. Interesting. Informative. These are the best descriptions of the award-winning documentary “Freedom Riders.” After watching this film, you’ll wonder why you haven’t heard more about these Civil Rights Activists in the past.
Then you’ll find yourself yearning for more high-quality programs like this one.
What is inspiring about “Freedom Riders” is that they were ordinary people willing to take on an extraordinary battle. The United States Supreme Court had already ruled that racial segregation on interstate buses was illegal, but the Deep South completely ignored the law and no one was enforcing it.
Determined to Make a Change
The “Freedom Riders” decided to do something about it. Their goal was twofold. One, they wanted the interstate bus law enforced and, two, they wanted the Kennedy Administration to make the Civil Rights Movement a top priority. They achieved both goals and got the whole world’s attention in the process, but not without much pain.
African-American director, Stanley Nelson, does an excellent job of letting the “Freedom Riders” story tell itself. By the time you finish watching the documentary, you will have a strong sense of the entrenched racial bigotry of the times, and the unnerving potential for catastrophe.
Actual Footage and Behind-the-Scenes Interviews
There are interviews with key figures from the movement, including many of the “Freedom Riders.” There are also very interesting interviews with people opposed to the “Freedom Riders” such as then Governor of Alabama, John Patterson, who wouldn’t even take a telephone call from President John F. Kennedy about the riders.
John Seigenthaler, who was a Special Assistant to Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, was sent to the South to manage the crisis with the “Freedom Riders.” He offers fascinating, behind-the-scenes insights about conversations between him, the riders and local politicians. Through his and other personal stories from people involved in the movement, the reality that someone could be killed at any moment is evident.
African-American Director Stanley Nelson
Stanley Nelson has been directing movies since 1999 and has made some other notable African-American documentaries –"The Murder of Emmett Till"
and "Marcus Garvey: Look for Me in the Whirlwind."
His tremendous directing talent shows in “Freedom Riders.”
Watch It For Free
For a limited time, you can watch the “Freedom Riders” documentary for free at the PBS website. The entire program is available and there are links to in-depth information about the film. After watching this documentary, though, we're sure that you'll find that it's a film that you'll want to own and have in your collection at home.
Buy the "Freedom Riders" Movie DVD
You can also purchase the “Freedom Riders” DVD to watch at anytime. Details are below.
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Buy the "Freedom Riders" Book - "Freedom Riders: 1961 and the Struggle for Racial Justice"
The documentary “Freedom Riders” is based on Raymond Arsenault’s book “Freedom Riders: 1961 and the Struggle for Racial Justice.” You can purchase the book using the link below.
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