Alabama Public Television to Air Seventh JSU Produced Documentary
02/02/2024
Some of the JSU film crew behind the scenes with Barbara Shores, daughter of legendary civil rights attorney Arthur Shores.
Arthur D. Shores played a pivotal role in shaping the course of civil rights in the American South. From his early days challenging segregation laws to his courageous defense of individuals targeted for their activism, he stood as a beacon of justice during some of the nation's most tumultuous times.
The documentary seamlessly integrates historical footage and photographs sourced from the Shores' family archive and insightful interviews with individuals who shared a close connection with Shores, including key political figures. This collective material provides viewers with a deeply immersive experience, allowing them to witness the challenges and triumphs that defined Shores' life.“Producing 'Defending Freedom’ has been a profound experience, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Alabama Public Television for the invaluable opportunities it has created for our students,” said Seth Johnson, director of Longleaf Studios and associate dean of the JSU College of Arts, Humanities, and Sciences. “A special acknowledgment goes to the influential politicians and community officials who generously shared their time, emphasizing the significance of Mr. Shores to Alabama's enduring legacy.”
JSU’s Longleaf Studios is an experiential learning unit that provides film and communication students with hands-on learning opportunities to work on real-world projects with professional filmmakers. Eleven students worked with professionals from Illuminate Films on the production, including Riley Abston, Nicolas Guimaraes Vieira, Adrian Langston, Noah Lockette, Noah McCord, Samuel Musgrove, Laney O'Neal, Leslie Pearce, Esther Shull, Benjamin Willis and Daylan Wright.
"The partnership between APT and JSU has proven to be a continued success,” said Pete Conroy, director of strategic partnerships and projects at JSU. “We've already collected four Emmys but, more importantly, we have been able to tell significant stories that highlight the strength and diversity of Alabama. Of course, the Arthur Shores story is a perfect example."
After the documentary airs on Feb. 15, it will be available on-demand for free on the APT website, along with all previously aired programs