The MBU-produced film Threads of History: Conversations with a Community has garnered a silver award in the Spotlight Documentary Film Awards competition.
Out of hundreds of submissions from around the world, Threads of History was selected as one of the top independent documentaries for 2017. A silver award is given to unforgettable films with the third highest scores from the panel of judges.
Threads of History gives voice to an important part of black history in Staunton. The film brings together recollections of Booker T. Washington High School alumni, their teachers, and past and present residents of the adjacent Johnson Street neighborhood.
“Threads of History: Conversations with a Community was a heartfelt collaboration between the MBU film students, MBU Permeable Borders, and — most especially — the many wonderful members of the Booker T. Washington community who graciously shared their stories and their time,” said Allan Moyé, adjunct faculty member and director of communication studios at MBU. “This award is a testament to the importance of bringing these histories to life, making them available to the public, and helping preserve them for future generations. Everyone should be proud.”
Moyé developed and produced the film with help from his students, and it first premiered at Staunton’s Visulite Theater in December 2016.
The project began as an MBU May Term class in 2013 with Artist-in-Residence Claudia Bernardi, and also drew on the talents and knowledge of Associate Professor Emerita of Art History Marlena Hobson, Professor of History Amy Tillerson-Brown, and Moyé. Students and faculty members gathered stories from community members and created three murals, which then inspired the film.