The film “Soul Patrol” is about African American soldiers’ experiences during and after the Vietnam War. —Dena Porter 
Henry Louis Gates, professor and moderator, dialogued with former Secretary of State John Kerry and “Soul Patrol” film director Jason (“J. M.”) Harper after the film. —Dena Porter 
“Soul Patrol,” directed by James (“J.M.”) Harper. —Dena Porter 
Decorated Vietnam veteran and former Secretary of State John Kerry spoke after the showing of the film “Soul Patrol.” —Dena Porter
The 24th annual African American Film Festival featured a documentary titled “Soul Patrol” last Saturday, about a Black special operations team in the Vietnam War, and was followed by a discussion moderated by Henry Louis (“Skip”) Gates Jr., host of “Finding Your Roots” on PBS, and former Secretary of State John Kerry, both pictured above with Jason (“J.M.”) Harper, director of the movie. Island summer resident Kerry served two tours of duty with the U.S. Navy as a Swift Boat skipper on the rivers of the Mekong Delta, and upon returning to the U.S., spoke out against the war. The culmination of the festival this Saturday includes a final trove of shorts and movies, and a party at Nomans in Oak Bluffs, placing the Island once again at the center of the celebration of Black excellence in film. All week, the lineup of acclaimed films and documentaries made by independent and established Black filmmakers and post-show discussions are at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School’s Performing Arts Center in Oak Bluffs.
