Watch Mumia: Long Distance Revolutionary

Mumia: Long Distance Revolutionary is a thought-provoking documentary film that explores the life and activism of Mumia Abu-Jamal, a former Black Panther member, radio journalist, and anti-death penalty activist. Directed by Stephen Vittoria and released in 2012, the film features interviews with a number of distinguished activists, academics, and intellectuals such as Cornel West, Alice Walker, and Angela Davis who offer their insights and reflections on Mumia's life and work.

The film paints a vivid portrait of Mumia's early years and provides an overview of the political and social climate in Philadelphia during the 1960s and 1970s. Mumia was born in 1954 and came of age during a time of political turmoil and social unrest in the United States. As a young man, he became involved in the Black Panther Party, a revolutionary Black Power organization that aimed to challenge police brutality, racism, and economic inequality. Mumia's involvement in the Panthers marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to social justice and activism.

Throughout the film, we see how Mumia's activism intersected with his career as a journalist. He began working as a reporter for various newspapers and radio stations, using his platform to shine a light on issues affecting Black and marginalized communities. He was soon recognized as one of Philadelphia's most important journalists, but his outspokenness and activism put him at odds with the city's police department and political establishment.

One of the most powerful aspects of the film is the way it explores Mumia's incarceration and the controversy surrounding his case. In 1981, Mumia was arrested and charged with the murder of a police officer. He has maintained his innocence ever since, and his case has become a rallying point for activists and advocates of criminal justice reform. The film includes interviews with several witnesses and legal experts who cast doubt on the prosecution's case against Mumia and suggest that he was falsely convicted.

The film also highlights the various campaigns and protests that have been organized in support of Mumia over the years. His case has become emblematic of larger issues surrounding police brutality and the death penalty, and the film shows how his story has inspired generations of activists to fight for justice and systemic change. Indeed, much of the film focuses on Mumia's role as a symbol of resistance and the inspiration he has provided to individuals and movements across the globe.

Throughout the film, we see how Mumia's activism and journalism were deeply intertwined. He used his reporting skills to expose corruption and injustice, and he used his platform to connect the struggles of different communities and movements. Mumia's work as a journalist and activist demonstrates the power of storytelling and the critical role that media can play in shaping public opinion and pushing for social change.

In conclusion, Mumia: Long Distance Revolutionary is a powerful and moving documentary that shines a light on the life and work of an important activist and journalist. It provides a nuanced look at the political and social context of Mumia's life and activism, and it offers insights into the broader movements for social justice and systemic change that he has inspired. The film features a diverse range of voices who offer their reflections on Mumia's legacy, and it serves as a powerful testament to the enduring power of collective action and the quest for justice.

Mumia: Long Distance Revolutionary is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 41.