Malcolm X

Diversity Film Series
Cohen and Wolf P.C. Movie Series
PRESENTED IN COOPERATION WITH RIDGEFIELD ALLIES

Sponsored by Anita and Nick Donofrio, Ann and Steve Carlson, Allison and Jon Stockel, Julie and David Peck, People’s Bank, Ridgefield Prevention Council and the Town of Ridgefield
Q&A HOSTED BY CHERYL WASHINGTON

Anchored by a powerful performance from Denzel Washington, Spike Lee’s biopic of the controversial black activist and leader of the struggle for black liberation, Malcolm X, is heavily inspired by Alex Haley’s The Autobiography of Malcolm X. The film begins with Malcolm Little as a petty criminal. He’s sent to prison for burglary, but his incarceration proves to be a blessing in disguise, as he’s exposed to the teachings of Islam and learns discipline. Upon his release from prison, he adopts the last name “X” and rises within the Nation of Islam, but his ascent is met with resentment and opposition, especially when he and mentor Elijah Muhammad begin to feud. Suspended by the Nation, he makes his pilgrimage to Mecca, where he learns that there is good in all races. Upon his return to the United States, he denounces racism and becomes open to working with the civil rights leaders he had previously shunned. The film follows X up until his assassination at Harlem’s Audobon Ballroom in 1965.

Tickets are FREE, but must be reserved in advance by calling the box office at 203.438.5795