Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 9 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with KPBS Passport + Encore Wednesday, March 13 at 4 p.m. on KPBS 2
The documentary “Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom” is a rich and nuanced portrait of the woman known as a conductor of the Underground Railroad, who repeatedly risked her own life and freedom to liberate others from slavery. Born in Dorchester County, Maryland — 2022 marks her bicentennial celebration — Tubman escaped north to Philadelphia in 1849, covering more than 100 miles alone.
Once there, she became involved in the abolitionist movement and, through the Underground Railroad, guided an estimated 70 enslaved people to freedom. She would go on to serve as a Civil War scout, nurse and spy, never wavering in her pursuit of equality.
Featuring more than 20 historians and experts and grounded in the most recent scholarship, "Harriet Tubman: Visions Of Freedom" goes beyond the standard narrative to explore what motivated Tubman, including divine inspiration, to become one of the greatest freedom fighters in our nation’s history.
“With this film, our aim was to go beyond what is covered in history books to create a real, three-dimensional portrait of who Harriet Tubman actually was” Producer Stanley Nelson said. “We wanted to examine what motivated her to pursue a revolutionary and often dangerous journey, particularly through her fierce religiosity and metaphysical connection to the divine. This film also has such a distinct sonic layer thanks to powerful narration by the great Alfre Woodard.”
Related: 10 Interesting Facts about Harriet Tubman
Watch On Your Schedule: “Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom” is available to stream with KPBS Passport, a benefit for members supporting KPBS at $60 or more yearly, using your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, AppleTV, Amazon Fire or Chromecast. Learn how to activate your benefit now.
Credits: A co-production of Firelight Films and Maryland Public Television (MPT), the film is executive produced by Stanley Nelson and Lynne Robinson and produced and directed by Nelson and Nicole London. Oscar-nominated and Emmy Award-winning actor Alfre Woodard narrates the documentary, and acclaimed actor Wendell Pierce provides the voice of Frederick Douglass.
