FREEDOM RIDERS TRAILER- DIR. STANLEY NELSON

Freedom Riders
2010, 2 hours

In 1961, during the first year of John F. Kennedy's presidency, more than four hundred Americans participated in a bold and dangerous experiment designed to awaken the conscience of a complacent nation. These self-proclaimed "Freedom Riders" challenged the mores of a racially segregated society by performing a disarmingly simple act. Traveling together in small interracial groups, they sat where they pleased on buses and trains and demanded unrestricted access to terminal restaurants and waiting rooms, even in areas of the Deep South where such behavior was forbidden by law and custom. Their efforts were met with extreme violence and brought international attention to the fight against segregation, exploitation and racism known as the Civil Rights Movement. Freedom Riders chronicles the story behind this courageous group of civil rights activists.

Freedom Riders was one of 16 films selected from 862 Submissions for the US Documentary Competition of the 2010 Sundance Film Festival! For screening times, go to:
http://sundance.bside.com/2010/films/freedomriders_sundance2010

The film is scheduled to air on the PBS series American Experience in 2011 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Riders.

Director: Stanley Nelson
Producer: Laurens Grant

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• FREEDOM RIDERS Trailer
• Firelight Media
• Stanley Nelson
• WGBH
• American Experience
• PBS

[EyeLurk2]

Just watched the 2 hour doc tonight. It was compelling and inspiring. People of all walks of life banding together and putting their very lives on the line for civil rights. A must see!

That was only 1961...many of those evil bastards that inflicted and allowed the infliction of violence and racist hatred on these people still roam the streets of America. What animalistic savages they were...which involved into the present day corporate savage.

[ACLTony]

Those Freedom Riders were incredibly brave, knowing that they could be beaten or killed. That had to be scary. 

[pharastar1]

@joannedavenport this is civil rights not civil war .

[joannedavenport]

Im from UK and studying the American civil war, where can i watch this please?

[kaduch456]

@kerenlloret It is Barbara Dane - I'm On My Way.

[deblirious]

@pandorableAngeL Taking action and participating in your own civil disobedience would show real respect for what they have done.

[aya3769]

This is the America I used to love

[pandorableAngeL]

just watched the freedom riders 50th anniversary special on oprah. i'm not very good with history especially that of american history so i was in awe when i heard of the freedom riders' stories. as part of the younger generation, i was deeply moved and aspire to make a difference in the world, big or small. i am definitely looking forward to watching the documentary.

[sgfilmsinc]

you can see a promo of freedom riders on oprah on may 4. and the documentary freedom riders premiers on pbs on mon. may 16. tune in and tell others!

[justthisguy83]

i live right down the road from where they burned the bus in anniston alabama there is a plaque there now the road is still there but there is a major highway right next to it and if you wernt looking for it you would never know it was there