A film by S. Epatha Merkerson / Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg

This multi-award winning documentary examines a little known aspect of American history, when newly freed slaves throughout the South formed “benevolent societies” to respond to abject hunger, illness and the fear of a pauper’s grave.

The film sets the stage in rural Alabama, prior to Emancipation, and traces the development, struggles, contributions and gradual loss of tradition of one of the last remaining African American benevolent societies, known as “The Fair Hope Benevolent Society.”

Providing an unprecedented look at the complex and morally ambiguous world of Fair Hope juxtaposed against the worldly pleasures of what has become known as the annual “Foot Wash” celebration, the film contrasts deity and the devil, preaching and prostitution, gospel and guns, devotion and drugs, heaven and hell…

“Highly Recommended” – Video Librarian

“Whoopi Goldberg lends her voice as narrator of this documentary, which has already taken home 17 awards” – WGBH

Winner: Paul Robeson Award/Best Documentary, Newark Black Film Festival

Winner: Best Documentary, Philadelphia International Film Festival

Winner: Dikato Award/Best Documentary, Festival International Du Film Panafricain

“…looks at twists in the evolution of Alabama’s Fair Hope Benevolent Society” – NJ.com

67 minutes on 1 disc / 2012

HOW TO ORDER:

Public Performance and Digital Site Licenses are available through Soundview Media Partners. To inquire or to place an order, write to info@soundviewmediapartners.com or select from the License Options listed below:

For group screening prices, please inquire.

In-home/personal use copies are available on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1aeU1fm

Watch the trailer