The MVFF and YMCA drive-in will be showing “Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer” on Saturday, July 10. This film is directed by Dawn Porter, an Island resident.
More than 100 years after the two-day Tulsa Massacre, one of America’s most violent racial attacks, this documentary explores the role media played then and now on justice and anti-racism.
In addition to this, Porter told the Times that the film not only describes a historic event that many do not learn about, but also defines the resilience of those targeted by the attacks.
“It talks about the resilience of the people that are targeted, how they’ve rebuilt,” she said. “The film acknowledges a terrible history, but also points out how brave they were in sustaining and tolerating such a horrific time.”
Porter has directed movies, television specials, and documentaries, her most recent being a miniseries for Oprah Winfrey titled, “The Me You Can’t See.” Porter explained that all of her films, including “Rise,” begin with a question.
“The question for ‘Red Summer’ was why haven’t we learned these facts,” she said.
In finding the facts for this film, Porter worked closely with a Washington Post reporter who had done extensive research and investigation on Black history. “People are mistrustful of the media, so using facts to piece together this story is crucial,” she said.
Being an Island resident, Porter said that she is excited to share her work with the supportive Island community.
“What I look for the most is conversations about the film,” she said. “I’ve shared a lot of movies here, and I’ve always loved how thoughtful and open the audience is.”
Doors open at 7:15, and the movie starts at 8:15 pm.
