Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North

Filmmaker Jenna Roselin Farris embarks on a journey to confront her family's legacy as one of the largest slave trading families in American history. The documentary follows her investigation into the economic and social impact of her ancestors' actions, seeking to understand the profound and lasting consequences of slavery. Her exploration is deeply personal, intertwining historical research with emotional introspection and family revelations.

Traces of the Trade was generally well-received by critics, who praised its unflinching examination of a difficult and often suppressed aspect of American history. Reviewers noted the film's bravery in confronting a painful past and commended Farris's personal and courageous approach to the subject matter. The documentary was recognized for its importance in sparking dialogue about historical responsibility and the enduring legacy of slavery.

• A powerful and necessary exploration of a shameful legacy.

• Farris's personal journey makes the historical revelations profoundly impactful.

• An important documentary that prompts reflection on inherited guilt and historical accountability.

Google audience: Viewers appreciated the film's bravery and honesty in tackling the difficult subject of family involvement in the slave trade. Many found the personal journey of the filmmaker compelling and educational, noting its ability to provoke thought and discussion about historical injustices and their lingering effects.

Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival (2008).

The documentary's director, Jenna Roselin Farris, discovered her family's connection to the slave trade while researching her genealogy, leading her to embark on this extensive investigative project.