FILMCLUB Guide to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

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1 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Overview Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the United States, celebrated on the third Monday of January, around the time of King s birthday on the 15 th. King was a spokesman for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in American law. Race and racism can be a difficult subject to bring up with students but watching, discussing and reviewing films with peers, under the guidance of teachers, can be an excellent way of opening up new debates about the subject. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day film season FILMCLUB has curated a film season in which the Civil Rights Movement is a major theme. They include documentary and feature films and cover a period of time from when King was alive to the end of the last century. Though some of the films will challenge students, this season will enable them to explore the issues of race and racism within the context of the Civil Rights Movement. Each film in the season is accompanied by a synopsis as well as review starters and discussion points to allow for a full exploration of the themes raised in the movies: 4 Little Girls (1997, PG) (age 11+) This outstanding documentary investigates September 15, the day a bomb exploded inside an American church that had an all-black congregation. In The Heat of the Night (1967, 12) (age 11+) In the US south in the '60s, just after blacks gained full civil rights, a black police officer is arrested for a prominent white citizen's murder. Malcolm X (1992, 15) (age 14+) Powerful epic from famed director Spike Lee about the life of late African-American black liberation movement leader Malcolm X To Kill A Mockingbird (1962, PG) (age 9+) Harper Lee adaptation about an idealistic white lawyer in 1930s Alabama who takes on the case of a black man accused of an awful crime. When We Were Kings (1996, PG) (age 14+) Fascinating documentary about the famous "Rumble in the Jungle" boxing match in Zaire, which also sheds light on Muhammad Ali's enduring appeal.

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3 4 Little Girls (1997, PG) (age 11+) On September 15, 1963, in Birmingham, Alabama, a bomb exploded inside a church that had an all-black congregation. Four girls were killed. This outstanding documentary - made 34 years after the attack by director Spike Lee - lets the families of the girls talk about the pain that they are still suffering, and investigates the shocking racial politics of the time, when African-Americans in the Southern states couldn't use the same restaurants or even drinking fountains as whites. It's presented with Lee's usual intelligence and clarity as he skilfully mixes politics with moving reminders of the lives it affects. Film 4 A thoughtful, graceful, quietly devastating account. New York Times What part of the film do you find most interesting? Why? Does the film help you understand the mindset of the bombers? Is this something a film like this should do? Do you think director Spike Lee s decision to include pictures of the victims corpses was right? Review starter: I had studied the Civil Rights Movement in school, but it wasn t until I saw 4 Little Girls that I really appreciated what it might have been like to live through those times

4 In The Heat of the Night (1967, 12) (age 11+) We're in a small town in the deep south of the USA in the late 1960s, not long after African-Americans gained full civil rights. After a murder of a prominent white citizen, a black man is arrested at the train station - and only released after he turns out to be a senior police officer from out of town named Virgil Tibbs. Working reluctantly alongside the white local police chief who distrusts his modern big city methods, Tibbs (played brilliantly by Sidney Poitier) tries to solve the crime. An excellent Sidney Poitier performance makes In The Heat of the Night an absorbing contemporary murder drama. Variety Director Norman Jewison has used his camera to extract a certain rough-cut beauty from each protagonist. TIME Magazine How does Mr Tibbs react to the racist behaviour of those he encounters? How would you react in a similar situation? Can you imagine the events of the film happening anywhere today? Or has the world changed since then? In 1963 Sidney Poitier became the first black person to win an Academy Award for Best Actor and three successful films in 1967 made him the topgrossing star of the year. Why do you think these achievements were important for the Civil Rights Movement? Review starter In The Heat of the Night has become a classic film because of a truly memorable performance at its centre

5 Malcolm X (1992, 15) (age 14+) Director Spike Lee's powerful epic dramatises the life of the late African- American leader Malcolm X, charting how he started life as a petty thief before becoming the charismatic and militant leader of the 1960's black liberation movement. This enthralling film also teaches the important history of race relations in the 60's, and how Malcolm X's philosophies and teachings continue to inspire others to this day. Visually and dramatically, Lee pulls out all the stops, but it's Washington's performance that really energizes the film Film 4 they have brought Malcolm X very much to life again, both as man and myth. Newsweek How did Malcolm X s goals and methods differ from those of Martin Luther King? Do you think this film portrays Malcolm X as a sympathetic character? Do you like him? What do you think was the key turning point in Malcolm X s life? Why? Review starter Spike Lee s film Malcolm X may be a biopic, but it s about much more than the life of just one man

6 To Kill A Mockingbird (1962, PG) (age 9+) Set in Depression-era Alabama in the 1930s, To Kill a Mockingbird tells the story of an idealistic white lawyer who takes the case of a black man falsely accused of committing an awful crime against a white woman. With six-year-old Scout as the storyteller, we see the effects of racism, ignorance and injustice. This excellent film is a thought-provoking interpretation of the Pulitzer Prize winning book by author Harper Lee and features a strong cast of actors that suck you in as the story unfolds. A classic adaptation of an American classic. Storytelling doesn't get much better than this. Empire Magazine One of Hollywood's finest achievements, To Kill A Mockingbird is truly timeless. Film 4 Who is the hero of this film? Although To Kill A Mockingbird is a film about racism, it is not told from a black person s perspective. Do you think this is a failing? Atticus Finch is a much-admired character in film and literature. What are his best qualities? Review starter To Kill A Mockingbird shows us that it can take great courage to do the right thing, even when it s clear what the right thing to do is

7 When We Were Kings (1996, PG) (age 14+) Whether or not you're a fan of boxing, chances are you've heard of the legendary Muhammad Ali. After years on top, most sports fans and critics felt Ali was past his prime. When he went to Zaire to fight the much younger heavyweight champion George Forman, the event promised to be a circus... and it was. Dubbed "Rumble in the Jungle," the world's eyes were on Africa for what was to be the bout of the decade. If anyone deserves an award, it is Ali; his charisma makes the film. TIME Magazine One of the best and most emotionally affecting documentaries ever made. Empire Magazine Muhammad Ali wasn t a political figure, but he was still important to the Civil Rights Movement. What roles do you think he played? What part of the film do you find most inspiring? Why? A disproportionate amount of great film dramas have been made about boxing as opposed to any other sport. Can you name any more? And why do you think this is? Review starter When We Were Kings gets right to the heart of who Muhammad Ali was

8 FILMCLUB is an education charity which helps schools set up and run film clubs for pupils to watch, review, discuss and learn through a variety of fantastic films from past and present. Free to all state schools, FILMCLUB provides weekly screenings, online reviewing, industry events and hands-on support to engage, challenge and open new avenues for informal learning. Teachers receive the support the need to introduce pupils to the world of film, creating a memorable experience with proven academic benefit. To join FILMCLUB please visit: or call for more information.