The Morton Theatre Corporation this month will present a screening of "Unspoken," an insightful documentary feature film that delves into the impact of racial division in a small southern town, with a particular focus on the haunting 1946 Moore’s Ford Lynching–the last known mass lynching in America.
The screening will take place at 3 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 22 at the historic Morton Theatre 195 W. Washington St. In downtown Athens,
Following the film, there will be a panel conversation featuring director Stephanie Calabrese, film participants Patrice Broughton and Elizabeth Jones, and special guest moderator Dr. LaKeisha Gantt. This discussion promises to delve deeper into the film's themes and open the floor for questions and insights from the audience.
Admission to this event is open to the public, with a suggested donation of $5 to support the Morton Theatre Corporation's mission to “enrich lives and educate people through shared cultural and community experiences while preserving and honoring the theatre's rich African American heritage.” Seating is general admission, and on-street and deck parking are available for free on Sundays.
"We are proud to present this important, thought-provoking film at the Morton,” said MTC Board President Tamaine Jordan. “We invite the community to learn more about this important time in Northeast Georgia’s history.”
Directed by Calabrese, this eye-opening film has screened at seven film festivals across the U.S., winning Best Documentary at the 2023 Reedy Reels Film Festival, the Special Jury Award at the 2022 Rome International Film Festival and the Audience Choice Award at the 2022 Macon Film Festival. The film promises to shed light on long-buried truths, uncovering the secrecy surrounding the Moore’s Ford Lynching, as well as the enduring ramifications of segregation, the Civil Rights Movement, and the integration of schools and society in Monroe, Ga.
“As a documentary filmmaker and Monroe, Georgia, community member, I felt a great sense of responsibility to capture and share this story, sourced from 40 interviews and research over the course of 3.5 years,” Calabrese said. “Hiding the shameful parts of our history obstructs repair and healing. I’m grateful this film inspires questions, introspection and honest conversation and very much looking forward to this screening.”
For more information contact the Morton Theatre Corporation at 706-613-3771 or email board@mortontheatre.com. You may also reserve a seat at https://www.unspoken.film/morton-screening.
Visit www.mortontheatre.com for updates and additional details.