Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Selma 1965: Film vs. History
Today on Press Play, we hear from the filmmaker behind Selma, which portrays Martin Luther King, Jr.’s fight for the Voting Rights Act in 1965. And we hear from a historian from that period who discusses some of the criticism’s about the film’s accuracy.
By Madeleine Brand • • 53m ListenToday on Press Play, we hear from the filmmaker behind Selma, which portrays Martin Luther King, Jr.’s fight for the Voting Rights Act in 1965. And we hear from a historian from that period who discusses some of the criticism’s about the film’s accuracy. We also check out a documentary about a neo-Nazi and the gay teen he nearly beat to death. Years later, the two of them discuss the incident in our studio. And we listen back to our interview with Hector Tobar about his book chronicling the ordeal of 33 Chilean miners who were trapped for 69 days.
Banner Image: Civil Rights Movement Co-Founder Dr. Ralph David Abernathy and his wife Mrs. Juanita Abernathy follow with Dr. and Mrs. Martin Luther King as the Abernathy children march on the front line, leading the SELMA TO MONTGOMERY MARCH in 1965. The Children are Donzaleigh Abernathy in striped sweater, Ralph David Abernathy, 3rd and Juandalynn R. Abernathy in glasses. Name of the white Minister in the photo is unknown.; Credit: Abernathy Family
In this episode
4 storiesThe Making of “Selma”
We hear from filmmaker Ava DuVernay about the making of her film, Selma, which focuses on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s fight for the Voting Rights Act in 1965. She spoke with KCRW’s Kim Masters.
Read the story14 minThe Accuracy of “Selma”
Ava DuVernay’s Selma has come under fire from historians who say the film mischaracterizes Lyndon B. Johnson’s attitude towards the Voting Rights Act. We talk to an historian to sort out what’s historically accurate and what isn’t.
Read the story11 minFacing Fear
The 2014 Oscar-nominated documentary “Facing Fear” tells the story of a former neo-Nazi and the gay teen he nearly beat to death. Years later, they join us together in the studio to talk about about how they eventually became friends.
Read the story14 minHector Tobar on the Trapped Chilean Miners
Four years ago today, the entire world was watching as 33 Chilean miners emerged unharmed from a stone prison that had held them captive for 69 days. A massive piece of rock had trapped them more than 2,000 feet underground.
Read the story12 min
