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JOHN LEWIS: Get In The Way is the first major documentary biography of civil rights hero, congressional leader and champion for human rights, whose unwavering fight for justice spanned over fifty years.
Follow the courageous journey of John Lewis, a civil rights hero, congressional leader, and human rights champion whose unwavering fight for justice spanned the past 57 years. The son of sharecroppers, Lewis grew up in the segregated South and rose from Alabama's Black Belt to the corridors of power on Capitol Hill. His humble origins have forever linked him to those whose voices often go unheard.
Through never-before-seen interviews shot over 20 years, Lewis tells the gripping tale of his role in the vanguard of the Civil Rights Movement. He was the youngest speaker at the historic 1963 March on Washington and he led the Bloody Sunday march in Selma in 1965 where Alabama state troopers attacked peaceful protesters with billy clubs, bullwhips, and tear gas. This march led to President Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act into law, which prohibited racial discrimination at the polls.
Originally an activist pushing from the outside, Lewis became the conscience of congress who made noise on the inside pressing for justice, equality, and human rights. Despite setbacks—and there were many—John Lewis' eyes remained steadfastly on the prize.
54 minutes
closed captions, and both stereo and 5.1 surround sound
Directed by Kathleen Dowdey
Produced by Kathleen Dowdey
Editor: Lillian E. Benson, A.C.E.
Director of Photography: Charles A.Schner
Music: Camara Kambon
Executive Producer: Charles Floyd Johnson
Consulting Producer: Donna Brown Guillaume
Story Consultant: Jed Dannenbaum
Produced by Early Light Productions
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"This film beautifully captures a life of meaning and purpose with love for all mankind. John Lewis inspired this nation through his profound pursuit of social justice. He never wavered when facing injustice and by doing so moved a nation toward righteousness."
Derek Hyra, Associate Professor of Public Administration and Policy, American University, Author, The New Urban Renewal: The Economic Transformation of Harlem and Bronzeville
"Inspiring...The civil rights struggle that has occupied most of Lewis's 77 years is facing a tidal wave of new challenges...The values he embodies are more important than ever."
Frazier Moore, Associated Press
"Trump, as you may recall, tweeted that Lewis was 'all talk, talk, talk - no action or results'...The documentary will show just how wrong Trump was in his tweet. Lewis has been all action, action, action."
Matthew Gilbert, Boston Globe
"The film takes viewers on a journey from Lewis's roots as the son of sharecroppers to his work to end segregation and gain African-American voting rights, to his work as a Washington, D.C. insider to combat discrimination, poverty, poor education, police brutality, inaccessible health care, and voter limitations...But it also gives us a glimpse to his warm, mischievous side."
Susan Karlin, Fast Company
"Through a sweeping and at times non-linear style, Get In the Way gives the audience a sense of Lewis not so much as a biographical subject, but as Representative John Larson put it, an 'experience seared into our collective memory.'"
Argun Ulgen, Pop Matters
"A powerful and focused documentary...Lewis exemplifies the power of nonviolence and the inspiring role of students and young adults in social struggles - an important story to share in classrooms, congregations and community settings. Get In the Way is a compelling exploration of the personal witness of John Lewis and the importance of personal integrity, and the role of sacrifice and suffering in principled nonviolent direct action movements for change."
Chuck Collins, Senior Scholar, Institute for Policy Studies, Author, Born on Third Base
"We were impressed with the community engagement and discussion that came out of Get in the Way. Patrons let us know how important it is to tell stories from leading voices in history."
Zoe Del Mar, Communications Manager, Cambridge Public Library