Watch Prince Among Slaves

Prince Among Slaves is a 2007 historical documentary film directed by Andrea Kalin and produced by Unity Productions Foundation. This captivating movie tells the story of Abdul Rahman Sori, an African prince who was captured in 1788 and sold into slavery in the United States. The film is based on the biography Prince Among Slaves: The True Story of an African Prince Sold Into Slavery by Terry Alford.

Abdul Rahman Sori was a highly educated and cultured man who grew up in an Islamic kingdom in West Africa. He was well-known for his leadership and had been appointed as the military commander of his tribe. In 1788, he was betrayed by a rival tribe and captured by slave traders. Rahman was then sold to a slave trader who took him across the ocean to the United States.

In the United States, Rahman was sold to a plantation owner in Natchez, Mississippi. While he was still a slave, his intelligence and education were highly valued, and he was treated as a nobleman by his owner. Rahman made several attempts to regain his freedom, and his case became famous across the country. Finally, with the help of a British consul, Rahman was able to gain his freedom in 1829, after forty years of enslavement.

Prince Among Slaves explores the life and legacy of Rahman, shedding light on his journey from being a beloved prince to a slave and finally to a free man. The film captures the essence of the African culture, customs, and traditions that Rahman had to leave behind when he was taken from his homeland. We see his struggles to adapt to the harsh conditions of slavery, and his attempts to hold on to his identity despite being stripped of everything that he held dear.

The documentary is narrated by Mos Def, an American rapper and actor who does a fantastic job of bringing Rahman's story to life. The movie features interviews with historians, scholars, and experts in African-American studies who provide insight into the historical context of Rahman's story. The film also includes reenactments that help viewers to visualize the events that took place.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is its exploration of the political and cultural issues that surrounded slavery in the United States. The documentary shows how Rahman became a symbol of hope and resistance, inspiring others to fight for their freedom. We see how the abolitionist movement used Rahman's story as a tool to highlight the inhumanity of slavery and to call for its abolition.

Overall, Prince Among Slaves is a powerful and moving documentary that sheds light on an important but little-known chapter in history. It is well-researched and expertly crafted, combining historical accuracy with compelling storytelling. The film is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder that even in the darkest times, hope and freedom are within reach.

Prince Among Slaves is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 58 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.