Cinematic Resistance: Aunjanue Ellis, Christine Swanson Talk About Fannie Lou Hamer, Voting Rights And Honoring Black History

Director Christine Swanson and Academy Award nominee Aunjanue Ellis recently joined forces to develop a short film chronicling Hamer’s speech at the 1964 Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City. Titled Fannie, Ellis and Swanson’s collaboration not only pays tribute to her remarks in Atlantic City, but the spirit of the film also embodies the spirit of Hamer’s voting rights activism. Beyond August 22, 1964, Hamer founded the Freedom Farm Collective, created the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and embarked on two congressional campaigns. Not to mention, she is responsible for coining the phrase, “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.” Recently, I spoke to Swanson and Ellis about the creative process that led to this film and what Hamer’s undying legacy means to them.