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Descendant

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description Descendant Overview

Descendant is a 2022 documentary film directed by Margaret Brown examining the history and legacy of the Clotilda, the last known ship to transport enslaved Africans to the United States. The film centers on the community of Africatown, near Mobile, Alabama, founded by the captives brought over on that voyage, as residents confront the discovery of the ship's wreckage and seek acknowledgment of their history. It was distributed by Netflix through Higher Ground Productions.

help Descendant FAQ

What is the documentary Descendant (2022) about?

Descendant documents the descendants of enslaved Africans brought to Alabama aboard the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to arrive in the United States. The film follows the community of Africatown as they confront the discovery of the ship's wreckage and grapple with their ongoing fight for recognition.

Where did Descendant premiere and who distributed it?

Descendant premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival and was acquired by Netflix in partnership with Higher Ground, the Obamas' production company. It was released on Netflix later that same year.

Who directed Descendant?

The film was directed by Margaret Brown, an Alabama-born filmmaker who previously directed The Order of Myths (2008), which explored segregated Mardi Gras traditions in Mobile, Alabama. Descendant continues her focus on racial history in the Mobile area.

Has the Clotilda shipwreck been found and verified?

Yes, researchers confirmed the discovery of the Clotilda wreckage in the Mobile River in 2019, and the documentary addresses this finding. The verification was conducted by the Alabama Historical Commission and a team of marine archaeologists, making it one of the most significant maritime discoveries related to the history of slavery in America.

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