Film
The Picture Taker
From the everyday celebrations of Black Memphis to the triumphs and tragedies of the Civil Rights Movement, Ernest Withers developed nearly 2 million images that came to define America’s civil rights struggle. But the push and pull of history is perhaps best illuminated by the Black photojournalist’s lesser known work: decades of secret FBI service uncovered only after his death. Featuring interviews with people who knew him as a civil rights hero—and only recently learned of his FBI involvement—The Picture Taker is a fascinating documentary from Phil Bertelsen (Who Killed Malcom X?) about Withers’ mystery, motives, and legacy.
THE PICTURE TAKER is a co-production of Picture Taker, LLC, Realization Pictures, ITVS and Black Public Media with funding provided by the CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING, in association with K2 Pictures and Ark Media.
ADDITIONAL FUNDING PROVIDED BY:
The Jonathan Logan Family Foundation
Ford Foundation | JustFilms
The Philadelphia Foundation
John and Maryellen Riley
The Better Angels Society
Join us for Q&As with Phil Bertelsen and producer Lise Yasui following the 7pm screening on Fri, Oct 14 & Sat, Oct 15.
Leadership support for BAM Access Programs provided by the Jerome L. Greene Foundation.
Leadership support for BAM Film provided by the Ford Foundation and The Thompson Family Foundation
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