Watch After Selma

After Selma is a powerful and thought-provoking documentary film released in 2019 that focuses on the untold stories and continuing struggles of the Civil Rights Movement in America long after the historic march from Selma to Montgomery. Through the eyes of renowned historian Carol Anderson and activist Joanne Blackmon Bland, the film intimately explores the lasting impact of the Selma march and the ongoing fight for racial equality.

Set in the present day, After Selma delves into the lives of Anderson and Bland as they navigate their personal journeys and perspectives on the significance of the civil rights movement. With the backdrop of Selma as a constant reminder, the film paints a comprehensive picture of how the events in 1965 have shaped America's racial landscape and its implications today.

The film starts by delving into the historical context of the Selma march, providing an overview of the origin, goals, and ultimate impact of the movement for voting rights. Through archival footage, interviews with key figures, and expert analysis, the documentary vividly illustrates the challenges faced by activists at the time and the brutal violence that was unleashed upon them.

After establishing this historical foundation, the film shifts its focus to the present, exploring the deep-rooted social and political issues that continue to plague America. Through the perspective of Carol Anderson, a professor of African American Studies at Emory University, viewers gain valuable insight into the intricacies of institutional racism and how it has evolved from the era of Jim Crow to the present day.

Joanne Blackmon Bland, who as a child witnessed the Selma march firsthand, provides a personal account of her experiences during those tumultuous days and the reverberating impact it had on her life. As both an activist and an educator, Bland sheds light on the ongoing struggle for civil rights by sharing her own efforts in advocating for change, particularly within the education system.

Throughout the documentary, both Anderson and Bland engage in dialogue, reflecting on the progress made since the Selma march while acknowledging the significant hurdles that still exist. Their conversations serve as a catalyst for deep introspection, challenging viewers to consider their own roles in combating racism and inequality.

Drawing parallels between the past and the present, the film highlights how tactics of voter suppression, gerrymandering, and racially biased policies still pervade American society. The documentary also explores other critical contemporary issues such as police violence against African Americans and the mass incarceration of black men, illustrating that the fight for equality is far from over.

After Selma ultimately prompts the audience to question the effectiveness of the Civil Rights Movement in dismantling systemic racism and urges people from all walks of life to take an active role in continuing the struggle for justice. It amplifies the voices of those who have been silenced by systemic oppression and invites viewers to confront their own biases, encouraging empathy and understanding.

With its rich archive of historical footage, poignant interviews, and candid conversations, After Selma serves as a poignant reminder that the fight for civil rights is an ongoing battle and that the principles and passions ignited during the Selma march must endure. The film provides a platform for crucial conversations about racial equality, making it a compelling and must-watch documentary for anyone seeking to understand the deeply complex issues that still plague our society today.

After Selma is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 46 hours. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.