Movie spotlight
Free Renty: Lanier v. Harvard
FREE RENTY tells the story of Tamara Lanier, an African American woman determined to force Harvard University to cede possession of daguerreotypes of her great-great-great grandfather, an enslaved man named Renty. The daguerreotypes were commissioned in 1850 by a Harvard professor to "prove" the superiority of the white race. The images remain emblematic of America’s failure to acknowledge the cruelty of slavery, the racist science that supported it and the white supremacy that continues to infect our society today. The film focuses on Lanier and tracks her lawsuit against Harvard, and features attorney Benjamin Crump, author Ta-Nehisi Coates and scholars Ariella Azoulay and Tina Campt.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary chronicles the landmark legal battle brought forth by the family of Agnes Butler, a young enslaved woman, against Harvard University. The lawsuit demands the return of a plaster cast of her face, taken without consent in the 1850s and held by the university's Peabody Museum. It delves into the historical context of scientific racism and the enduring legacy of slavery.
Critical Reception
The film received positive reviews, particularly for its powerful portrayal of a crucial legal and historical case. Critics lauded its emotional impact and its examination of the ongoing struggle for reparations and the return of ancestral artifacts, highlighting its relevance in contemporary discussions about institutional racism and accountability.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its timely and important examination of historical injustices.
Commended for its emotional resonance and advocacy for reparations.
Noted for shedding light on the ongoing fight for cultural repatriation.
Google audience: Information about specific Google user reviews and their consensus is not readily available for this documentary.
Fun Fact
The case of 'Free Renty' is part of a broader movement challenging museums to return artifacts that were acquired under exploitative or unethical circumstances, often linked to the era of slavery and colonialism.
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