THE STORY
CURRENT: A Descendant’s Journey for Truth explores the profound impacts of historical truths and their lingering presence in our modern world. Shot in Virginia, the nation’s birthplace, the film delves into the consequences of ignoring the veracity of past events, revealing how such negligence not only distorts our perception of reality but also perpetuates a cycle of harm among individuals and communities. Through a powerful narrative, the film underscores the necessity of confronting historical truths to foster a more transparent and just society.
PART 1 - VIRGINIA: FOUNDING FALSE NARRATIVES
Pam Smith reflecting on her time in Virginia from Mount Eagle Farm.
Part 1 focuses on Virginia, and includes commentary by local artists, teachers, students, librarians, historians, family historians, faith leaders, social justice advocates, and others.
Shot in Richmond, Charlottesville and Arlington, we ride the rivers and walk the land that brought enslaved people to the shores of Virginia and to the places of their bondage and resistance. And we explore the legacies of enslavement and what it will take for our country to repair and heal.
PART 2 - KENTUCKY: FORCED MIGRATION WEST
The team is on location shooting for CURRENT Part 2: Kentucky
Part 2 traces the footsteps of Matilda (Lewis) Threlkeld, as the white Lewis family moves west to Kentucky in 1808, taking 24 enslaved people with them, including nine-year-old Matilda.
The documentary explores her harrowing journey west as a child, overland and via the Ohio River, her experiences at the intersections of major US episodes, such as the Civil War & Reconstruction, and current controversies in historical truth-telling. It visits classrooms, communities and ancestral homelands.
PART 3 - SIERRA LEONE: Ancestral origins
To be shot in Sierra Leone, West Africa Part 3 of the film explores Matilda's African heritage and African Americans’ continuing quest for a more complete history.
MATILDA (LEWIS) THRELKELD
The documentary's ancestral guiding light is Matilda (Lewis) Threlkeld, the enslaved 3rd great grandmother of the film's producer. Both the film's director and producer are descendants of people enslaved by Thomas Jefferson and his sister, Lucy Jefferson Lewis.
Pam Smith discussing how she came to learn about Matilda's story.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
“It was a haunting film. I understood the role Richmond played in the slave trade but I think I have been sitting with it in a more human, less historical way since the screening. I am encouraged to delve into my own family history.”
Mary Driebe
“Monday night was very special for us; it was a spiritually filling moment. Not only did God smile on us, our ancestors were also smiling as we gave them life.”
Rev. Herbert Townes
Mt. Sinai Baptist Church
“I didn't expect to come away with so much learning about the history of slavery, especially the economics of it.”
Anonymous
“Thank you so much! I think it went really well. I can't wait to see where the next chapter takes you.“
Anne McCreary
Library of Virginia
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