New York Times Featured Writer Shows Civil Rights Documentary to The University of Alabama

By Cole Archer

TUSCALOOSA – Journalist Ellen Ann Fentress came to the University of Alabama department of communications on Feb. 22 to show her 56-minute racially charged documentary, “Eyes on Mississippi”.

Fentress’ documentary depicted the life of storied Mississippi reporter Wilson “Bill” Minor and his fight for racial equality amidst the civil rights movement. This was Fentress’ first documentary. Fentress gave tips on beginning in the film industry in a question and answer segment held after the screening.

“I had to find out a way to be a nonprofit in order to make this documentary”, said Fentress regarding her struggles in coming up with the 38,000-dollar budget required to make the documentary as a rookie filmmaker.

Fentress knew Bill personally before he passed in March 2017, where they worked together not only as journalists but also as film makers. Bill is a frequent narrator in the documentary as it was filmed before his passing, “Bill and I shot an hour a day for the documentary and we ended up with 10 hours of footage before cutting it down.”

Many students were impacted by the screening in relation to their future careers as journalists or filmmakers. Ivy Ervin, a junior majoring in news media, reflected on the screening saying, “It reminded me to stay versatile as a journalist and that by being a great reporter, I can open the eyes of others.”

Fentress has plans to complete part two of the documentary that profiles Minor’s life as a reporter post-1960’s to present day.She also plans to turn this documentary into a written biography within the next year.