Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump and Director Nadia Hallgren graced us with their presence at the 26th annual American Black Film Festival. “Civil” was screened at The New World Center in Miami receiving a standing ovation from the festival-goers. This groundbreaking documentary follows the life of Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump as he takes on different police brutality cases such as Breanna Taylor, Trayvon Martin, George Floyd, and many more. This documentary amplifies the injustices in a society that should be unified and protected.
The Knockturnal had the opportunity to chat with Ben and Nadia about the making of Civil and the Films influence. Ben started out by giving thanks to Kenya Barris who served as the producer for this project.
“[Kenya Barris] could’ve done another comedy and played it safe but he knew this part of the black experience in America is equally important.”
Nadia touched on the powerful impact the media had as it pertains to exposing the realities of what goes on in Black America.
“People were coming out marching for George Floyd in South Korea, Austria, and all of these places so we know this was just a special moment that resonated throughout the world.”
At the end of the interview, Ben shared his sentiments and praises Nadia for including his mother in the documentary.
“For her to be able to see this in her lifetime meant a lot to me because all I have and all that I am to be is because of my mother’s sacrifice.”
“Civil” is now streaming on Netflix.
