Join us for a screening followed by a discussion of and around ’63 Boycott from Kartemquin Films. This film tells the story of 250,000 Chicagoans who fought for racial equity in schools and how the struggle continues. Unseen 16mm footage of the boycott is combined with insights from the original participants and present-day protesters against school closings. 

Watch the trailer for ’63 Boycott: http://63boycott.kartemquin.com/

After screening the film, there will be a Q&A with filmmakers Gordon Quinn and Rachel Dickson; Adrienne Dixson, Professor & Coordinator, Social Science and Education Policy at the University of Illinois, and a Unit 4 activist challenging the status quo in Champaign Public Schools. 

Reel Midwest—Illinois Public Media’s independent film series that endeavors to find and showcase the best feature, documentary, and short films from Illinois and across the Midwest—is taking on a new form. The Reel Midwest Film Festival series will focus on bringing these powerful films out into the community to provide a space to examine the role of independent film and its connection to movements for social justice.

This screening event is a collaboration between Illinois Public Media, the Department of Media & Cinema Studies at the University of Illinois, Illinois Community Media Project, and Spurlock Museum of World Cultures. 

This event is part of the College of Media Annual Theme Series.