Watch these films and hear from the filmmaker behind these amazing short documentaries.
The ABCs of Book Banning and Birthing a Nation: The Resistance of Mary Gaffney - both qualified for the Oscars, with the ABC's being nominated in the Documentary Short section, and Birthing A Nation nominated for an NAACP Image Awards.
The ABCs of Book Banning starkly lays out the books that are now being banned in many school districts, with people, including children, reading from them, forcing one to ask "How is this possible?". Birthing a Nation: The Resistance of Mary Gaffney uncovers the story of Mary Gaffney, an enslaved woman who lived in antebellum Texas and endured the practice of “slave breeding,” in which enslavers forced reproduction to increase their profits. Gaffney, however, discovered a way to take control of her body and her fertility for almost a decade. Stories like Gaffney’s — the daily acts of defiance by “ordinary” enslaved women — are rarely told, overshadowed by singular heroes like Harriet Tubman or Sojourner Truth. But these countless lost stories of quiet rebellion, too, dismantled the institution of slavery.
What do these two films have in common, besides being stories of resistance? Naz Habtezghi. How does someone codirect two films that are both so impactful?
Watch these films and hear from Naz Habtezghi - who was part of the Third World Newsreel Production Workshop - on her pathway in film her challenges in making both these programs, and her tips for emerging makers. Light refreshments will be provided.
Join us in person at the City College of NY, Shepard Hall, 259 Convent Ave (at 140th Street). #1 to 137th st, or ABCD to 145th Street. Accessible mode: #6 to 125th St, M101 to 140th street. Shepard Hall is an accessible building.
Questions to workshop@twn.org for additional accessibility needs.
This is a presentation of the Third World Newsreel and the Documentary Forum at CCNY.
Nazenet Habtezghi (she/her) is a journalist-turned-filmmaker who crafts compelling and thought provoking nonfiction stories. In 2023, she directed Birthing A Nation: The Resistance of Mary Gaffney (Paramount+) a harrowing and beautiful short film that uncovers the story of forced reproduction in the antebellum South and reveals the agency of Mary Gaffney – an enslaved woman who took control of her body and fertility. She also co-directed The ABCs of Book Banning (Paramount+) with documentary legend Sheila Nevins. The short film is a love letter to reading and education that begs us to consider what gets lost as books continue to be banned across the country.