Director Tommy Oliver and Mike Africa Jr. join Questlove Supreme to discuss HBO's documentary film "40 Years A Prisoner." They talk about the impact of the MOVE Organization, early days and discrimination, childhood experiences, the dangers of hate and violence, making a pivotal film, Mumia Abu Jamal's case, and obsessive recording and archival footage.
Despite the hardships faced, Mike Africa Jr. advocates for forgiveness and love as a means of healing.
The documentary exposes the corruption within the Philadelphia government and media manipulation of MOVE.
The film highlights the ongoing fight for justice, shining a light on political prisoners and the tireless efforts to achieve justice.
Deep dives
The Power of Forgiveness and Moving Forward
Despite enduring immense hardships, Mike Africa Jr. maintains a spirit of forgiveness and resilience. He recounts his childhood experiences with police brutality and racial discrimination, highlighting the dehumanization faced by his family and the MOVE organization. Despite the tragic events of the past, Mike Africa Jr. emphasizes the importance of letting go of hate and promoting love as a means of progress and healing.
Uncovering the Truth and Seeking Justice
The documentary explores the 1978 incident involving the MOVE organization and the subsequent bombing of their home on Osage Avenue in 1985. It delves into the corruption within the Philadelphia government, featuring interviews with former Mayor Wilson Good and revealing the controversial decisions made by the police and court systems. The film also uncovers the manipulation and misrepresentation of MOVE by the media, highlighting the need for accurate and unbiased reporting.
The Fight for Freedom and Reunion
At the core of the documentary is Mike Africa Jr.'s relentless pursuit of justice and the reunion of his incarcerated parents. The film showcases the resilience and determination of the MOVE members, who have fought for their freedom for over 40 years. It documents their legal battles, political activism, and the challenges they faced in their quest to bring their loved ones home. Ultimately, the film captures the emotional moment when Mike Africa Sr. and Debbie Africa are finally released from prison, symbolizing a hard-fought victory for the MOVE organization.
Learning from the Past to Create a Better Future
In examining the history of the MOVE organization, the documentary prompts viewers to reflect on the broader issues of systemic racism, police brutality, and social injustice that persist today. By shedding light on past events, the film encourages a collective understanding of the importance of justice, equality, and compassion. It serves as a reminder that learning from the mistakes of the past is crucial in shaping a more just and equitable future.
The Personal Journey of Making the Documentary
The documentary took approximately three and a half years to complete, with two and a half years dedicated to filming and one year for editing. The director personally funded the project and was driven by the importance of capturing the story and showcasing the main subject's significance. The filmmaker's commitment went beyond monetary considerations, as they were determined to capture the essence and impact of the individual's journey.
The Fight for Justice and Freedom
The documentary delves into the ongoing fight for justice and freedom, highlighting the cases of political prisoners in Philadelphia and beyond. The focus is not only on the individual featured in the film, but also on other activists and prisoners who continue to face legal battles. The film provides hope for the eventual release and exoneration of individuals who have been wrongfully incarcerated, shedding light on the tireless efforts of those working to achieve justice and support the cause of political prisoners.
In a special episode of Questlove Supreme we tackle HBO’s documentary film “40 Years A Prisoner” which chronicles one of the most controversial shootouts in American history, the 1978 Philadelphia police raid on the radical back-to-nature group MOVE, and the aftermath that led to a son’s decades-long fight to free his parents from prison. Listen as Quest speaks to director Tommy Oliver and the man whose life is brought to the screen, Mike Africa Jr. about a day that changed Quest and Philadelphia forever.
