Documentary Film Analysis Worksheet History 221 – African American History Before 1877 Instructions: • You will find the list of films you can choose from in the Lesson section of the course. • Go to the list and pick your film. You must view the entire film. If you can’t access films because of deployment, geographic location, or other reasons, please let your instructor know so they can give you an alternate assignment. • Please type you answers into this sheet.
You must submit the worksheet two ways: 1) upload the worksheet as a Word document 2) cut and paste your answers into the student response box for the assignment. • You must answer in complete sentences, using a short answer/paragraph format. 1. What is the title of the film you picked? The title of the film I decided to view is the “Tribute to Sojourner Truth”. 2. Why did you pick this film over the others offered? I chose this film over all the other offered because I wanted to learn a little more about the life of Sojourner Truth. . What is/are the central message(s) of this documentary/fictional film? Be specific. Use examples from the film to support your choice. The central message of this documentary was to let the world know how much Sojourner Truth is appreciated for her work as an abolitionist and other movements that she participated in. Many people stood up and gave speeches about Sojourner Truth, such as Hilary Clinton who stated that she had the right name because she is a “Sojourner of truth, for truth, and by truth”. 4.
Consider the effectiveness of the film for this history class. What are its strengths and weaknesses of this film in documenting history? This films strength was shown through all the famous people that got up to speak about Sojourner Truth with much pride and respect. Hilary Clinton, Cicely Tyson, and Yolanda Adams were among many others that paid tribute to Sojourner Truth through speeches and song. This film had no weaknesses in my opinion. 5. How do you think the filmmakers want the audience to respond? Is there a social justice message? If so, what is it?
I think that the filmmakers want the audience to respond with appreciation because of all the things that Sojourner fought for, among her movements she fought against capital murder and she also fought for women’s rights. There is a Social Justice message that everyone should be treated equal no matter race or gender. 6. Did the documentary leave you with any unanswered questions? If so, what were they? This film did not leave me with any unanswered questions. This film fully informed me of the many movements that Sojourner Truth was involved in. . How did this film change any misconceptions or stereotypes you had about the subject matter? If so, what were they? This film did not change any misconceptions or stereotypes that I had because I didn’t have any. 8. Did the documentary leave you with any unanswered questions? If so, what were they? This film did not leave me with any unanswered questions. This film fully informed me of the many movements that Sojourner Truth was involved in. 9. What is the most important thing you learned from watching the film?
The most important thing that I learned from watching this film was that Sojourner Truth was the first African American woman to be honored with a memorial at the Capitol. 10. Why is this film important to understanding contemporary African American History? This film is important to understanding contemporary African American History because this tribute is a part of history, she is the first African American woman to be honored in the capitol and let us not forget the mark she made in the women’s movement.
