Manship Theatre showcases 'Dare Not Walk Alone'

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By Kristina Stafford

With riveting live footage of the circumstances leading up to the Civil Rights Movement, to interviews of the participants almost 40 years later, Dare Not Walk Alone documents the pursuit of equal treatment in America in a brutally truthful way.

Jeremy Dean, director of Dare Not Walk Alone, became interested in the subject of racial division about 10 years ago, and started doing extensive research on the Civil Rights Movement. When Dean watched a gripping video clip of one of the events that led up to the Civil Rights Act, he was drawn in instantaneously.

With little money or resources for his film, this documentary took seven years to make, but the integrity that was brought to this sensitive subject was worth every minute.

The video clip that set Dean out on his journey is undoubtedly the most memorable scene of his film. The black-and-white footage found was an event in St. Augustine, Fla., when James Brock poured acid into a motel swimming pool that was filled with young black and white children.

Photographs of this event were taken, which made front-page news around the world and was one of the leading components to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Dare Not Walk Alone is not an average documentary. Weaving the past with the present, Dean stimulates strong emotions with his gripping portrayal of the struggle for equality. The movie is a hybrid of historical milestones and contemporary beliefs that successfully shows the reality of poverty and inequality in the South.

When asked about the current state of civil rights, Dean shared this insight:

"Yes, legal segregation has been put into effect, but we still have a long way to go. The story of this country is tragic, but if we keep pushing for justice, the racial barriers will begin to fade over time. We don't yet live in a post-racial society, but I am hopeful for the future."

Though Dare Not Walk Alone has now been recognized by the NAACP as a nominee for outstanding documentary, the reception for this film has not always been so welcomed. Dean has been criticized for his portrayal of civil rights, critics contending that the film was too harsh for the general public.

"Before Katrina, people were naively unaware of southern rural poverty, but when people saw the devastation from Katrina they had an almost violent reaction. It's painful to see the harsh reality." Dean explained about the reaction to the film before Hurricane Katrina.

Dean went on to explain that he wanted to show the problem, but also wanted to show people that there is hope for tomorrow:

"This movie is not a dry history lesson, it's educational, yes. It will show you how to be part of the solution. This is a documentary that will not make you feel bad; it was created to inspire people to make change," said Dean.

Dare Not Walk Alone is the feature film from the Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers showing at the Manship Theatre on September 10, 2009. For more information, or to order tickets, go to www.manshiptheatre.org, or call (225) 344-0334.

Originally Published: Issue 815 - September 9, 2009

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