Arkansas PBS and Philander Smith College have partnered for Philander Forward Film Series, 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 Philander Forward Film Series is free, open to the public and welcomes students, faculty and all communities to connect to the campus community through film.
Upcoming screenings include:
- Jan. 18 at 6:30 p.m. — “The U.S. and the Holocaust” (International Holocaust Remembrance Day), Philander Smith College, BA 101, 900 W. Daisy L. Gatson Bates Dr., Little Rock. This screening will feature clips from “The U.S. and the Holocaust,” a three-part documentary directed and produced by Ken Burns, Lynn Novick and Sarah Botstein. The film examines the rise of Hitler and Nazism in Germany in the context of global antisemitism and racism, the eugenics movement in the United States and race laws in the American South. The series sheds light on what the U.S. government and American people knew and did as the catastrophe unfolded in Europe, becoming one of the greatest humanitarian crises in history. You can RSVP for the free event here.
- Feb. 1 at 6:30 p.m. — “Making Black America,” Hour 1 (Black History Month) “Making Black America” is a four-part series hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., that chronicles the vast social networks and organizations created by and for Black people — beyond the reach of the “white gaze.” Professor Gates sits with noted scholars, politicians, cultural leaders and old friends to discuss this world behind the color line and what it looks like today.
- Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. — “Making Black America,” Hour 2 (Black History Month)
- Feb. 15 at 6:30 p.m. — “Making Black America,” Hour 3 (Black History Month)
- March 1 at 6:30 p.m. — “Making Black America,” Hour 4 (Black History Month)
March 15 at 6:30 p.m. — “Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom” (Women’s History Month) “Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom” digs beyond the legend and follows the story of the inspiring woman who repeatedly risked her own life and freedom to liberate others from slavery. Born 200 years ago in Maryland, Harriet Tubman was a conductor of the Underground Railroad, a Civil War scout, nurse and spy and one of the greatest freedom fighters in our nation’s history.
TBD — “Dream Land: Little Rock’s West 9th Street” Little Rock, Arkansas’s, West 9th Street was once a vibrant, African-American business and entertainment district. Taborian Hall is the only remaining historic structure on West 9th Street and stands as a living witness of the street’s former glory days.
JOIN IN:
Updates and additional information will be available at myarkansaspbs.org/events.
RSVP for a free screening event at Philander Smith College for "The U.S. and the Holocaust."