We are excited to announce The New School is hosting the New York City film screening of the forthcoming documentary, W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With A Cause.   

Directed by Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Rita Coburn, the film traces Du Bois’ extraordinary journey from his birth, five years after the Emancipation Proclamation, to his death on the eve of the 1963 March on Washington.  Drawing from a host of scholars,  Du Bois’ books, prophetic essays, private letters, speeches, and rare archival recordings, the film brings his electrifying words to life through powerful dramatic readings by Common, Courtney B. Vance, and Jeffrey Wright, with commanding narration by Viola Davis.  Their voices channel the intellect, fire, and poetry of a thinker who dared America to confront its unfinished promise.

Blending evocative artwork with a stirring original score by composer Kathryn Bostic, Rebel With A Cause is more than a biography, it is a cinematic reckoning with America’s past and call to its future. You may view the YouTube film trailer here. 

President Joel Towers will give brief remarks, and the screening will also include an engaging panel discussion immediately following the conclusion of the film - featuring Director, Rita Coburn, famed television and film actor, Jeffrey Wright, and other notable producers and participants from the film.

Program: 

      6:00-6:10pm: Welcome remarks 
      6:10-8:00pm: Film screening
      8:00-8:40pm: Panel discussion
      8:40-9:00pm: Q&A with audience 
      9:00pm: End

* Note that registration is required to attend the screening. Walk-ins will not be admitted. 

The film is a co-production of RCW Media Productions, Inc., American Masters Pictures and Black Public Media in association with the Center for Independent Documentary.