1ST PLACE - Latest Generation Film Contest

1ST PLACE

Septima Clark: Mother of Liberation

Imani Laird

Newton Highlands, Massachusetts

Director's Statement:

"We don't often hear about the role of women in the Civil Rights Movement. Mostly, we focus on amazing male leaders, like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who were its spokespersons. However, there were women behind the scenes putting in the underappreciated, necessary work, like Septima Clark. She was faced with hardship after hardship, whether it be her early education, the discrimination she faced as a Black teacher, or a member of the then-controversial Civil Rights Movement. Nevertheless, she persevered and created something great, educating thousands through "Citizenship Schools." By highlighting her innovative method of empowerment, through education, I hope to shed light on the power of a single vision."

Quotes from Reviewers:

"Engaging content delivered creatively. The use of text slides, moving archival footage, and push-ins kept the story flowing while ensuring the viewer was catching the important bits of information. Sound was captured and edited cleanly and flowed with the pacing, music was a strong fit as well. Great work!"

"A nearly flawless documentary short about the life of Septima Clark. Captivating and highly educational voice over narration, paired with its original and fluid editing makes this film stand out above the rest. Not only are the film and its contents engaging, but the film directly applies to this year’s theme, giving a perfect example of a life well lived, a self-actualized leader thinking and acting anew to make positive change in this country."