Silver Screen Series: THE POPPAW QUEEN

In celebration of Black History Month, Docs In Progress proudly presents the award winning film, The Poppaw Queen, a documentary by Malachi Elijah Robinson, as part of our Silver Screen Series. Join us on Thursday, February 27, at 7 PM at Docs In Progress for a special screening, followed by a post-screening Q&A with the filmmaker.

ABOUT THE FILM

The Poppaw Queen is a feature historical documentary tracing Mary Queen’s fight for freedom and her descendants' legal battles. Born in South America and illegally sold into indentured servitude in Maryland (c. 1715), her family petitioned for freedom in the late 1700s, with some succeeding while others remained enslaved by the Jesuits. Some descendants were later sold to fund Georgetown University. Featuring interviews and spoken word performances, the film sheds light on Maryland’s hidden history of slavery and Mary Queen’s enduring legacy.

ABOUT THE FILMMAKER

Malachi E. Robinson, a Washington, DC native, is a filmmaker, writer, and creative director dedicated to inspiring change through film, music, and art. As founder of point.black creative agency, he’s known for bold storytelling and unconventional visuals. His feature documentary, The Poppaw Queen, won Best Documentary at the 2024 Prince George’s Film Festival, cementing his impact in the field. His short film, BLACK X, debuted as an interactive exhibit at Dupont Underground and later screened at the 2022 Heritage Film Festival. Through his work, Malachi amplifies powerful, authentic narratives.

ABOUT SILVER SCREEN SERIES

The Silver Screen Series is intended as a gathering place where documentary films can be shown and shared. These films draw on the humanities values of biography, history, culture, and ethics. They are about the stories that define us, connect us with each other, express our values and convey our experiences. The Silver Screen Series is funded in part by Maryland Humanities and The National Endowment for the Humanities.

LOCATION: Docs In Progress

8560 2nd Ave Suite 113, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Docs In Progress is located on the ground level of the Alexander House. The entrance of Docs In Progress is on Apple Ave. Parking garage, walking distance: Cameron Street Garage. Metro Station Red Line: Silver Spring (walking distance 5-7 minutes).

ABOUT DOCS IN PROGRESS

Docs In Progress is a nonprofit that supports documentary filmmakers through workshops, feedback screenings, and fellowship programs. It helps filmmakers develop skills, refine projects, and engage with the community through film. It offers networking opportunities. The organization engages audiences and connects the local community with documentary films that address social, cultural, and historical topics. Docs In Progress runs workshops specifically for youth, helping young people learn about documentary filmmaking and use it as a tool to tell their stories.

Filmmaker Malachi Elijah Robinson

Host or Publisher Docs In Progress