'The Frontlines'

Trailer by Rebecca Ward.

"The Frontlines" is a short artistic film that centers some of the history of Wilmington, N.C. Through poetry and dance, the film begins to unpack the 1865 Battle of Forks Road during the Civil War, the 1898 Massacre and the 1971 Wilmington Ten case. The film features an original poem from Johnny Lee Chapman, III plus movement and choreography from Anthony Otto Nelson, Jr.

The events discussed in the film have had an impact not just in North Carolina, but across the country. The victory at the Battle of Forks Road helped win the Civil War and the 1898 Massacre served as a template for white supremacy. The Wilmington Ten case had the attention of the nation and prompted James Baldwin to write an open letter to Jimmy Carter.

“THE FRONT LINES” | #FRONTLINESWILMINGTON

Performance/video runtime: 8:05
Monologue: Written and performed by Johnny Lee Chapman, III
Choreography and movement: Anthony Otto Nelson Jr.
Locations: The Cameron Art Museum and 1898 Memorial Park, Wilmington, N.C.; Wrightsville Beach
Performance coordinator: Myra Weise, Proxemic Media
Video: Filmed and edited by Rebecca Ward
Executive producer: Michael S. Williams for the Black On Black Project

Only available for viewing as part of special events or screenings.