In this powerful documentary, the filmmakers, both privileged daughters of the South, who are haunted by their families’ slave-owning pasts, passionately seek the hidden truth and the untold stories of how America—guided by the South’s powerful political influence— steadily, deliberately and at times secretly, established white privilege in our institutions, laws, culture and economy.
The documentary has received numerous accolades since its release. It was named an official selection at the SOHO International Film Festival, the Black Star International Film Festival, and the Oxford Film Festival.
Sam McKelvey, executive director of the Menokin Foundation, said “Menokin is incredibly excited to bring this film to the Northern Neck for its Virginia premiere. It encourages us to engage in community reflection on the role slavery, Jim Crow and segregation continue to play in our ongoing struggle with racism today. Films like The Long Shadow illustrate the relevance of history and lead ultimately to a better understanding of complex conversations on racism.”
The Long Shadow features Thomas A. Duckenfield III, a member of the Menokin Board of Trustees. He is a descendant of families manumitted in 1791 by Robert Carter III of Nomini Hall. After the screening, Duckenfield will lead a discussion about the themes and concepts presented in the documentary.
Menokin is a National Historic Landmark and the 1769 home of Signer of the Declaration of Independence, Francis Lightfoot Lee and Rebecca Tayloe Lee.
