Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land is a stirring 2023 documentary produced by NBC personality Al Roker and written and directed by Emmy-nominated Director Eternal Polk. In addition to being selected for PAFF, Director Eternal Polk has also been nominated for a Jury Prize: Best Director – First Feature Documentary.
In the post-enslavement era, Black Americans acquired millions of acres of farmland, 90% of which is no longer in Black hands due to violence, eminent domain, and discrimination. But a lesser-known issue, “Heirs' Property,” has had a devastating effect on Black land ownership. This film spotlights the legacy of Black farming in America and how landowners are now reclaiming their agricultural rights and forging paths to generational wealth.
Screening Dates/Times/Location
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- February 8 - 9pm
- February 13 - 3:45pm
- Cinemark Baldwin Hills Crenshaw - 3650 Martin Luther King Jr, Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90008
The film recently won the 2024 Jury Prize at Brand Storytelling in Park City, Utah, an officially sanctioned event of the Sundance Film Festival. In addition to this award, Gaining Ground has racked up 18 festival selection laurels and the following awards at prestigious film festivals:
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- Best Documentary - FILMTEENTH International Film Festival - 2023
- Best Feature Documentary - Essence Film Festival - 2023
- Best Documentary Feature - DC Black Film Festival - 2023
- Audience Choice Award - DC Black Film Festival - 2023
- Best Documentary - BronzeLens Film Festival - 2023
- Best Feature Film - Detroit Black Film Festival - 2023
- Best Documentary Marcom Award - Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP) 2023
- Best Trailer - Carolina Film Festival - 2023