Films About Juneteenth
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It marks the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to enforce the freedom of enslaved people, effectively bringing an end to slavery in the nation. In recent years, films that center around Juneteenth or explore themes related to emancipation, African American history, and the ongoing struggle for civil rights have gained prominence. These films not only celebrate the legacy of freedom but also provoke thought about the historical and contemporary implications of racial inequality.
Here are some films that touch on the themes associated with Juneteenth:
“The 1619 Project”, 2023
Director: Roger Ross Williams, Phil Bertelsen, Jonathan Clasberry, Kamilah Forbes
Though primarily a docuseries, this film dives deep into the history of African Americans, including the significance of Juneteenth. It examines the legacy of slavery and how it shapes contemporary America, providing context for the ongoing fight for justice and equality.
Starring: Nikole Hannah-Jones;
Production year: 2023;
Genre: documentary, history;
Rating: IMDB: 4,9;
More information about the film “The 1619 Project” on the website imdb.com
“Till”, 2022
Director: Chinonye Chukwu
While not exclusively about Juneteenth, this film portrays the story of Mamie Till-Mobley seeking justice for the lynching of her son, Emmett Till. It highlights the historical injustices faced by African Americans, leading to movements that resonate with the spirit of Juneteenth.
Starring: Danielle Deadwyler, Jalyn Hall, Jamie Renell, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Patrick Thomas, John Douglas Thompson, Gem Collins, Diallo Thompson, Tyrik Johnson, Enoch King, Haley Bennett, Carol J. Mckenith, Elizabeth Youman, Keisha Tillis, Sean Michael Weber, Eric Whitten, Njema Williams, Destin Freeman, Darian Rolle, Gail Everett-Smith, Frankie Faison, Kevin Carroll, Keith Arthur Bolden, Tonia Jackson, Scott Hanson, E. Roger Mitchell, Al Mitchell, Brandon Bell, Mike Dolphy, Tosin Cole, Leland L. Jones, Jayme Lawson, Euseph Messiah, Roger Guenveur Smith, Phil Biedron, Jackson Beals, Princess Elmore, Brendan Patrick Connor, Jonathan D. Williams, Lowrey Brown, David Caprita, Tim Ware, Ed Amatrudo, Josh Ventura, Leon Lamar, Scott Andersen, Marcus Anderson, Marcus Atkins, Austin Bourne, Kevin Brown;
Production year: 2022;
Genre: drama, crime, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 130 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Till” on the website imdb.com
“Harriet”, 2019
Director: Kasi Lemmons
This biographical film depicts the life of Harriet Tubman, who escaped slavery and went on to rescue others through the Underground Railroad. Tubman's story is intrinsically linked to the fight for freedom, making it a poignant narrative in the context of Juneteenth.
Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., Joe Alwyn, Clarke Peters, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Vondie Curtis-Hall, Jennifer Nettles, Janelle Monae, Tory Kittles, Omar J. Dorsey, Henry Hunter Hall, Tim Guinee, Nick Basta, Joseph Lee Anderson, Antonio J Bell, CJ McBath, Alexis Louder, Aria Brooks, Zackary Momoh, Frank Riley Iii, Daphne Reid, Jenna Marie Hess, Kathryn Tkel, Deborah Ayorinde, Mike Marunde, Kamillah Matthews, Rakeem Laws, Tia L. Davis, Mitchell Hoog, Liam Searcy, Keith Tyree, Thomas Keegan, Jaben Early, Don Hartman, Pete Burris, Damian Allen, David Dickson Reynolds, William Flaman, William L. Thomas, James W. Hester, Laureen E. Smith, Brian K. Landis, Morgan Mccoy, Bostin Christopher, Coby Noel Batty, Nigel Reed, Eli El, Carlos Thompson, Michael Tourek, Philip Anastasi;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: biography, history, drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 125 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Harriet” on the website imdb.com
“One Night in Miami”, 2020
Director: Regina King
This fictional account of a night shared by Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, and Sam Cooke addresses themes of empowerment, civil rights, and the struggle for equality, connecting to the essence of what Juneteenth represents in terms of freedom and activism.
Starring: Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge, Leslie Odom Jr., Lance Reddick, Christian Magby, Joaquina Kalukango, Nicolette Robinson, Michael Imperioli, Lawrence Gilliard Jr., Derek Roberts, Beau Bridges, Emily Bridges, Amondre D. Jackson, Jerome A. Wilson, Hunter Burke, Robert Stevens Wayne, Randall Newsome, Matt Fowler, Chris Game, Christopher Gorham, Alan Wells, Jeremy Pope, Dustin Lewis, John Curran, Mark Allan Stewart, Amar Khalil, Ian Alexander Desdune II, Jeremy Anderson, Pierce Lackey, Dave Pileggi, Ashley LeConte Campbell, Kimberly B Brown, Nola Epps, Kipori Woods, Joshua Nylan Tanner, Sean Monaghan, Aaron D. Alexander, Jason Ament, Nathan Siebring, Kevin Reid, Cody Johnson, Angela Abadie, Dave Bass, Eugene Bischoff, Patti Brindley, Judy McGee Burley, Carlton Caudle, Ron Centanni, Kyle Clements;
Production year: 2020;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “One Night in Miami” on the website imdb.com
These films contribute to the understanding and celebration of Juneteenth by exploring the broader narrative of emancipation and the ongoing journey toward racial equality in America.
The selection of films about Juneteenth offers a powerful and diverse portrayal of the African American experience, shedding light on the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of a community that has long been marginalized. From historical dramas that vividly recreate the events leading to Juneteenth to contemporary stories that explore its cultural significance, these films provide a compelling and necessary exploration of a pivotal moment in American history. Through their storytelling, they invite audiences to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and envision a more inclusive and equitable future. As we continue to commemorate Juneteenth, these films serve as a poignant reminder of the ongoing journey toward justice and equality.
