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Arkansas PBS and Philander Smith College have partnered for Bless the Screen, a new screening series designed to unite students and communities through films illuminating the Black experience and telling stories that matter. Each event will feature a historical or contemporary film and leave room for dialogue, reflection and the opportunity to explore issues relevant to the world today.
The inaugural event featuring “Becoming Frederick Douglass” will be held Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 6:30 p.m. at Philander Smith College, Myer Titus Academic Center, Suite 107, 900 W. Daisy L. Gatson Bates Dr., Little Rock.
“Becoming Frederick Douglass” explores the inspiring story of how a man born into slavery transformed himself into one of the most prominent statesmen and influential voices for democracy in American history. Using his writings, images and words to follow his rise to prominence against all odds, the film is rooted in the singular truth of Douglass’s life: his insistence on controlling his own narrative and his lifelong determined pursuit of the right to freedom and complete equality for African Americans. “Becoming Frederick Douglass” is a co-production of Firelight Films and Maryland Public Television (MPT); the film is executive produced by Stanley Nelson and Lynne Robinson and produced and directed by Nelson and Nicole London.
The Bless the Screen series is free, open to the public and welcomes HBCU students, faculty and all communities.
The series will continue in January and feature the following films:
Updates and additional information will be available at myarkansaspbs.org/events.
About Philander Smith College
Founded in 1877, Philander Smith College is a small privately funded, four-year, liberal arts, career-oriented institution supported by the General Board of Higher Education and the Ministry of the United Methodist Church. The college has a rich legacy of providing an educational experience that embraces academic excellence, builds self-esteem, cultivates critical thinking skills, and prepares students to be future leaders and advocates for social justice. More information is available at philander.edu.
About Arkansas PBS
Arkansas PBS, Arkansas’s only statewide public media network, empowers learners of all ages by educating, informing, entertaining and inspiring communities. Arkansas PBS serves as a daily and essential resource for Arkansans by creating, sharing, celebrating and driving conversation around Arkansas stories and classic, trusted PBS programs through multiple digital platforms, including livestreaming at myarpbs.org/watch, on-demand services and YouTube TV, and the distinct channels Arkansas PBS, Arkansas PBS Create, Arkansas PBS KIDS, Arkansas PBS WORLD and Arkansas PBS AIRS on SAP. Members with Arkansas PBS Passport have extended on-demand access to a rich library of public television programming. Arkansas PBS depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. Additional information is available at myarkansaspbs.org. Arkansas PBS is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro), KETZ (El Dorado), KETS (Lee Mountain), KETS (Forrest City) and KETS (Gaither).
At ACS, we believe that if we provide filmmakers an arena to exhibit their talents, and film enthusiasts a healthy diet of quality programming, we can inspire more Arkansans to make and watch more films. By supporting filmmakers, festivals, theaters and young people interested in filmmaking throughout the state, we hope to create statewide network, pool Arkansas’s resources and be an umbrella organization that feeds all things film. We believe a rising tide lifts all boats.
To be a filmmaker, we have to connect to create. A painter needs a brush, paint and a canvas. A director needs a writer, a cinematographer, a sound mixer, production designer, editor, actors, distributors, and an audience. We cannot do it alone. This art form forces one to collaborate and thus, creates jobs. Filmmaking is unique in the arts in this way. It takes an army.
