Through a Flowering Place: Women of the Saltwater Railroad Film Screening

In July, as Americans reflect on the proclamation of freedom by the thirteen colonies during the 1776 war for independence, it is equally important to acknowledge the changes that were happening during the same period in the Spanish Florida territory. Maroons, people of African descent, and Native Americans negotiated their freedom with settlers to preserve their unique way of life.

Historians based in the Bahamas, Mexico, Tennessee and Florida were commissioned or contributed to the detailed recounting of the female freedom seekers in the series 'Through a Flowering Place, ' Florida's name as proclaimed by Ponce de Leon in the 1500's.

Each of the five captivating films is narrated in a different language including Muscogee (ancient Creek and Seminole dialects), French-based Creole, Gullah, and English. The languages with English captions immerse the audiences in the diverse cultures and rich heritage of Florida history. Through the powerful narratives, viewers will gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs experienced by these extraordinary women.

An art exhibit by Afro-Cuban Dancer, Isanusi Garcia Rodriguez, and a performance is planned in addition to the film screenings. Isa's artwork is inspired by his career as a principle ballet dancer with the Miami City Ballet. He has also drawn inspirations from his Cuban ancestors and interpreted some of the stories shared in the films.

• Saturday, July 22: Reception and pop-up art exhibit by Dancer and Artist, Isanusi Garcia Rodriguez, 6 PM with light refreshments.

Screening “Women of the Saltwater Railroad: Romana Biassou” at 7 PM, followed by a discussion with local Artist/Poet and Teacher, Emonde Prosper.

“Romana Biassou: Journey of Strength” — Narrated by local Haitian artist and teacher, Emonde Prosper, in Creole with English titles. The film chronicles the life of Romana Jacobo, wife of Haitian Revolution architect, Jorge, who was forced to leave her homeland for the Spanish colony of St. Augustine and ultimately sailed to Cuba.

Interpretive Dance Performance by Isa Garcia Rodriquez at 8 PM.

• Sunday, July 23: Exhibit tour and Film screening of “Women of the Saltwater Railroad, Anna Kingsley," discussion with cultural contributors and special guests at 7 PM.

“Anna Kingsley: From Bondage to Resilience” — Narrated by African American actor Jessica Conway in English. This film depicts the incredible journey of Anna Kingsley, an African woman who married her slaveholder and eventually found freedom in Haiti before returning to Florida to face significant challenges.

Interpretive Dance Performance by Christie Sciturro with Isa Garcia Rodriguez 8 PM.

Closing remarks both nights at 8:45 PM

Below is a description of the other films in the series in addition to the two films planned for the Southside School Cultural Arts Center - you can register to see two more films at the Victory Black Box Theatre July 28, 2023 at:

Tickets

July 28 features films about Susan Horse, Elizabeth Newton and Rose Perpall. The film details are provided below.

Note: Milly Francis's film was screened July 1 at the Santa Rosa Band of the Lower Muscogee Creek Tribe in Pensacola area.

“Elizabeth Newton and Rose Perpall: United in Freedom” — Narrated by African American Gullah historian and storyteller in the Carolinas, Dr. Jessica Berry and Jannifaye Singleton respectively, with English titles. The film portrays the intertwined stories of Elizabeth Newton and Rose Perpall, two maroon women who sailed with their families to the Bahamas in pursuit of freedom with contrasting fates.

“Susan Horse: a Black Seminole's Trail of Tears” — Narrated by Creek Nation storyteller Linda Bear Wood, based in Oklahoma, with portions in the ancient Seminole language and English titles. The film showcases the courageous journey of Black Seminole Susan Horse, who traveled with her people and a band of Florida Seminoles to establish a community in Oklahoma, Texas and Mexico while facing ongoing threats to their safety and freedom.

“Milly Francis: A Tale of Perseverance” — Narrated by Cindy Helms, a member of the Santa Rosa Creek Band of north Florida, with a portion in the ancient Muscogee language and English titles. This film portrays the relentless spirit of Milly Francis, whose father the Prophet Josiah Francis, led the Red Stick movement, recounting the displacement and hardships experienced during the Creek Civil War and the Trail of Tears.

If you have questions or want to inquire about more screenings of the films during the summer and other special events, contact the event organizer.

This film series was made possible by a grant from the Florida Division of Historical Resources, the Florida Division of Arts and Culture, the Broward County Cultural Division as recommended by the Cultural Council and the Board of County Commissioners of Broward County and the Community Foundation of Broward.

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