The Long Shadow

This film definitely brings Ava DuVernay's similar 13th to mind, but, because Causey's documentary is both eye-opening and hauntingly personal, there's room for both of these powerful works. Some might question whether a white woman has the right to tell a story about racism -- especially a white woman from the South whose family used black servants and whose ancestors owned slaves. And those questions are certainly valid. But it's also brave of Causey to admit to her feelings of doubt and outrage. She comes across as compassionate and honest, and her efforts feel admirable.

Despite the film's throughline, so similar to 13th, that traces American history and race from the end of slavery through the turbulent civil rights movement and up to today, The Long Shadow easily finds plenty of fresh ground to cover. Causey has good access to the southern regions of the United States and records many personal stories. Her interviewees are a mix of African American and white experts, all of whom contribute equally to the film's thesis. Causey traces the effects of slavery all the way up to a recent incident of hatred and racism on the factory floor at Lockheed Martin. Yet she ends the movie seemingly changed and still hopeful that humans' goodness can prevail.