Watch Free Angela & All Political Prisoners

Free Angela & All Political Prisoners is a powerful documentary film released in 2012. It tells the story of Angela Davis, a political activist, academic and author who was arrested, charged with murder and placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list in the early 1970s. Directed by Shola Lynch, the film aims to provide a long-awaited account of the events leading up to Davis' arrest, as well as her ensuing trial and ultimate acquittal.

The film is narrated by Angela Davis herself, and uses archive footage, photographs, news reports and interviews with those who knew her at the time. Throughout the film, we are provided with a detailed account of Davis' life and work leading up to her arrest, including her involvement in the Black Power movement, her time as a member of the Communist Party, and her work as a professor of philosophy.

The film begins by situating Davis' story within the broader context of US politics and culture in the 1960s and 1970s. We are given an overview of the major events of the era, including the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War and the rise of the Black Power movement. We learn about Davis' involvement in the movement, and her work campaigning against police brutality and racial inequality.

The film then delves into the events leading up to Davis' arrest. We learn about Jonathan Jackson, a 17-year-old Black Panther member who attempted to free his brother and two other prisoners by taking hostages at the Marin County Courthouse in California. The resulting shootout led to the death of four people, including Jonathan Jackson, and Davis was subsequently accused of purchasing the guns used in the incident.

Davis' subsequent arrest and the ensuing trial are depicted in detail. We see how the US government launched a massive campaign to imprison Davis, branding her as a terrorist and communist. The film portrays the trial as a complex and often confusing affair, with the prosecution presenting a case based largely on circumstantial evidence. Davis' defence team, led by Leo Branton Jr., argued that she was being persecuted for her political beliefs, and that the evidence against her was flimsy at best.

The film portrays Davis as an intelligent, articulate and fiercely independent woman who refused to be intimidated by the forces arrayed against her. We see how she drew upon her background in philosophy to construct an argument that challenged the very foundations of the US legal system. We also witness the widespread support she received from activists and intellectuals around the world, who saw her case as emblematic of the struggle against racism and oppression.

The film concludes with Davis' eventual acquittal, which is portrayed as a triumph for civil liberties and a watershed moment in the history of the fight against political repression. We see how Davis went on to become a prominent figure in the feminist movement, and continued to campaign for social justice and human rights throughout her career.

Overall, Free Angela & All Political Prisoners is a highly engaging and insightful documentary that provides a fascinating glimpse into the life and struggles of a truly inspirational figure. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the Civil Rights Movement, the Black Power movement or the fight against political repression. Through powerful archival footage and interviews with key players in the movement, the film brings Davis' story to life in a way that is both informative and deeply moving.

Free Angela & All Political Prisoners is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 73.