Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities, which explores the rise of HBCUs and revisits their impact on America. The film, Stanley Nelson's ninth at Sundance, will hit Park City along with an event series highlighting HBCU Rising, our year-long multi-media effort to surface the diverse stories from these historic institutions. The PBS documentary (and multimedia project) will dig into the significance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in American history, culture, and national identity, via the many stories from HBCU students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The documentary will tell stories of Americans who would not be denied a higher education, demonstrating how the 150-year history of HBCUs have influenced generations of Americans and shaped the landscape of the country. The films are part of a new multi-platform PBS series entitled America Revisited.

MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY

“Mr. Nelson is one of the foremost chroniclers of the African American experience working in nonfiction film today. His films, many of which have aired on PBS, combine compelling narratives with rich and deeply researched historical detail, shining new light on both familiar and under-explored aspects of the American past."

 — National Academy or Arts & Sciences

THROUGH THE FIRE: THE LEGACY OF BARACK OBAMA

This BET News special explores the historic election of America’s first African-American president and his consequential two terms in office. With archival footage and a diverse array of extraordinary interviews, including Common, Usher, Russell Simmons, Will.i.am, Mellody Hobson, Valerie Jarrett, Van Jones and many more. Legendary documentary filmmaker Stanley Nelson reveals the challenges and triumphs of America’s first Black president and his powerful legacy. Narrated by actor/activist Jesse Williams.