The documentary documents the process by which an oral tradition preserves an important social record, both in spite of and in response to suppression and racism. The film follows Bettye Kearse, who traces her ancestry to Mandy, the family's first African ancestor enslaved on American soil and owned by President Madison's estate in Virginia, Montpelier. Author Bettye Kearse, narrates the extraordinary saga of her family, multiple generations descendants of slaves, and James Madison, president of the United States of America. The documentary serves as an extension of Bettye Kearse's award-winning book The Other Madisons: The Lost History of a President's Black Family. Kearse's genealogical work is contextualized through her research, encounters with cultural institutions, and explores the challenges faced by African American families in preserving their historical narratives.
Production
The Other Madisons was directed by Eduardo Montes-Bradley, who based his research on Bettye Kearse memories. The film was produced by Heritage Film Project. Montes-Bradley was awarded by the National Council on Public History for the project, with the "Outstanding Public History Project Award" as part of the parallel exhibit "The Mere Distinction of Colour" produced by James Madison's Montpelier.[citation needed]
According to the Official Website of the author of the book upon which the film is based[5], The Other Madisons was invited to participate in the following film festivals:
Black Truth Film Festival (2022, Honorable Mention)
Atlanta Black Pride Film Festival (2022, Honorable Mention).
Critical reception
The Other Madisons has been described[by whom?] as "a remarkable contribution to American history, documenting" the preservation of oral traditions within African American families. The documentary has been praised[by whom?] for its examination of how historical narratives are maintained despite systemic suppression.[6][failed verification]
Featured participants
Bettye Kearse, protagonist and author, descendant of the Madison enslaved community;
The film is based on Bettye Kearse's memoir,[7] which received the International Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Book Award for Nonfiction, Autobiography.[citation needed] Her research for The Other Madisons was also covered in the Washington Post.[8] The documentary explores themes of: African American genealogy and family history oral tradition, and the legacy of slavery at James Madison's family Plantation.
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