TAMIU Offers Special Showing of 'Birth of a Nation' Saturday

One of the landmarks of film history, the 1915 silent film “Birth of a Nation,” will be presented in a special showing at Texas A&M International University’s (TAMIU) Center for the Fine and Performing Arts’ Recital Hall on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 3 p.m.

The showing, part of the University’s observance of Black History Month, will include a live organ improvisation by TAMIU’s Organist, assistant professor Dr. Colin Campbell and is free of charge and open to the public.

Dr. Deborah Blackwell, TAMIU associate professor of history and director of the University’s Honors Program, will lead a discussion on Reconstruction and the birth of the Ku Klux Klan.

The silent epic drama was directed and co-produced by D. W. Griffith and starred Lilian Gish.   It was adapted from the novel and play “The Clansman” by Thomas Dixon, Jr.  and chronicles the relationship of two families during the Civil War and the Reconstruction Era over the course of several years.

Although it employed innovative techniques and storytelling, the film was highly controversial when released, and received regular charges of racism and protests at showings.  Its interpretation of American history was especially troublesome, with some believing that it encouraged renewed interest in the Ku Klux Klan. Director Griffith was said to have been hurt by criticism of the film and would later try to make amends in a subsequent film, “Intolerance” (1916).

A full Schedule of Black History Month activities is available online.

For additional information, contact TAMIU’s Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 956.326.2180, email prmis@tamiu.edu, click on tamiu.edu or visit social media sites on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or YouTube.