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EXCLUSIVE: Freestyle Digital Media, the digital film distribution division of Byron Allen’s Entertainment Studios, has acquired the rights to Afro-Latinx Revolution: Puerto Rico a documentary by journalist and host Natasha S. Alford, vice president of digital content and senior correspondent, theGrio. The docu is produced in partnership with the Pulitzer Center and is currently available on Amazon, theGrio and Local Now.
In the documentary, Alford travels to Loíza, Puerto Rico, to address issues of racial discrimination, policing and economic inequality on the island in the summer of 2019, when protesters oust their governor. She explores the complexities of black identity through interviews with Afro-Puerto Rican residents, scholars and historians, who share their story of a cultural and political revolution. Natasha also reveals her own personal connection to the island.
Alford, with Defend Puerto Rico producers Mikey Cordero and Frances Medina together weave a powerful story of being black in a country where the legacy of colonialism is alive and well. It is estimated that 95% of Africans stolen during the transatlantic slave trade landed in Latin America and the Caribbean. In a world where more and more voices challenge racism and social injustice in Latin America and beyond, Afro-Latinx Revolution breaks down the realities of the descendants of these Africans today.
Quote from Natasha S. Alford, creator, director, executive producer and host of ‘Afro-Latinx Revolution: Puerto Rico’:
“I wanted to tell a story that centered the black voices in our conversations about the Latin @ / x identity; highlighting their complexity, beauty, power and diversity of thought, ”said Alford. “Too often, the popular image of ‘Latinidad’ erases Afro-Latinos and their historical achievements and contributions.”
She said the project began after watching news coverage of the protests in Puerto Rico in 2019. “As the media televised the revolution, I had questions about the complicated history of racing on the island. She said. “Was anti-racism part of the revolution? And if so, who was leading the fight? Just because most mainstream reporting doesn’t focus on this angle doesn’t mean that it doesn’t happen. “
Alford added, “As an African-American and Puerto Rican journalist, I see this documentary as an opportunity to educate about relationships across the black diaspora. Despite our differences, there are also common struggles. That is why I insisted that it be bilingual, so that we can bring communities together for important conversations about racial and social justice.
Watch the trailer above and check out the poster below.
