Details

James William Theres, Chris Windfield | United States | 2016 | 28:44

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This film is a story of African American tradition, patriotism and empowerment in the Deep South. Since the end of the Civil War, African Americans in Vidalia, La., and Natchez, Ms. have come together to celebrate black military service on Memorial Day. For 100 of those years, there were two Memorial Day celebrations in the same city of Natchez—one black and one white. By the mid-1990’s, the white celebration faded away, while the black celebration known as the “30th of May” continued to march on. Virtually unknown outside of the region, this annual event is passed down from generation to generation giving evidence that the roots of patriotism run deep in the Mississippi River towns of Vidalia, Louisiana and Natchez, Mississippi. Using animation, archival and aerial footage, and interviews with veterans, organizers and participants, the “30th of May” documentary brings to life the remarkable untold story of this African American-led patriotic tradition in the Deep South. The film’s original score captures the spirit of the 30th of May. It’s a tradition unlike any other on the country.

Writer
James William Theres

Producer
James William Theres
Chris Windfield