Films with: Lipman, Mark

Arc of justice the rise, fall and rebirth of a beloved community /

Traces the remarkable journey of New Communities, Inc. and the struggle for racial justice and economic empowerment among African Americans in southwest Georgia. NCI was created in 1969 in Albany, Georgia by leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, including Congressman John Lewis, and Charles and Shirley Sherrod, to help secure economic independence for African American families. For 15 years, NCI cooperatively farmed nearly 6,000 acres, the largest tract of land in the United States owned by African Americans at the time, but racist opposition prevented them from implementing plans to build 500 affordable homes as part of their community land trust. Unable to secure government loans to cope with the impact of successive years of drought, NCI lost the land to foreclosure in 1985. But 25 years later it was given new life as a result of a successful and little-known class action lawsuit brought by hundreds of African American farmers against the U.S. Department of Agriculture for loan discrimination. With the settlement, the original founders purchased a 1,600-acre plantation once owned by the largest slave owner and richest man in Georgia. NCI is now growing pecans and using the antebellum mansion on the property as a retreat and training center, still committed to its original mission of promoting racial justice and economic development.

DVD 12210

Gaining ground building community on Dudley Street /

Gaining ground, a follow-up to the award-winning documentary Holding Ground (1996), shows how one diverse Boston neighborhood has stemmed the tide against enormous odds. In the midst of the economic meltdown, Gaining Ground explores the innovative, grassroots organizing efforts of the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative (DSNI) in Boston. DSNI was created 25 years ago when the community had been devastated by bank redlining, arson-for-profit and illegal dumping, and has become one of the preeminent models for community-based change. Over the course of two years, we watch a new generation of leaders working to prevent foreclosures and bring jobs and opportunities for young people to one of the city's most diverse and economically challenged neighborhoods.

DVD 9658

Holding ground the rebirth of Dudley Street /

Through the voices of committed residents, activists and city officials, this award-winning documentary shows how a Boston community organized the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative and was able to create and carry out its own agenda for change.

DVD 8354

States of Grace a journey of loss, resilience and renewal /

Following an automobile accident on the Golden Gate Bridge that left Dr. Grace Dammann physically shattered, this documentary follows her return home, after multiple surgeries, where she lives with her partner, Nancy "Fu" Schroeder, and their daughter who was born with cerebral palsy. Grace must reconcile her joy at still being alive with the frustration of being so dependent on others. With both humor and bravery the three of them slowly recalibrate their lives together and apart.

DVD 11363