”Attica” with Stanley Nelson

Top Docs: Award-Winning Documentary Filmmakers

With two dozen feature documentaries to his credit, filmmaker Stanley Nelson has, over the course of an astonishing four-decade career, created an unparalleled chronicle of the Black experience in America. Whether documenting the early Civil Rights Movement in “Freedom Riders” and “Freedom Summer” or the fight for self-determination in “The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution,” Stanley can always be counted on to provide a wide lens, a fresh perspective, and a deep understanding of the people and forces shaping some of the U.S.’ most defining moments. In his latest film, the riveting and haunting “Attica” (see it in theaters and on Showtime November 6th), Stanley and co-director Traci A. Curry, re-visit the story of the largest prison rebellion in the history of the U.S.

Join Ken in his wide ranging and deep dive conversation with Stanley. We learn how the creative team left no stone unturned to unearth every conceivable photograph, film clip and testimonial that might shed light on the unprecedented events of Attica. Ken asks Stanley about the challenges of bringing to life the culminating events of the prison rebellion’s fifth and final day. And Stanley weighs in on whether the rebellion’s tragic ending could have turned out any differently. Always thoughtful, and occasionally surprising, Stanley proves to be every bit as engaging and creatively inspired as each of those 24 films.

Follow Stanley on twitter @StanleyNelson1

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