Rubin Hurricane Carter
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We take a last road trip with Rubin— back to rural Georgia where he once picked cotton as a child. We’re with him and partner John Artis. They’re both lifers— John was the kid who wrongly went to prison with Rubin for killing three whites in a New Jersey bar.
On the road, Rubin rediscovers the forces that forged him: segregation, discrimination, and racial hatred. He’s buoyant, charismatic, determined, undeterred-- but it’s an unforgettable journey back to Ku Klux Klan country.
His story is his resurrection song— from black American destroyer in the ring who persevered—through talent and will against all odds—to become a civil rights icon known around the world. Back in the 60s, Rubin was a contender for the middleweight crown.
Our story is not only how he survived prison— but how he fought to make the wrongly convicted a mainstream issue— and battled to outlaw the death penalty. And it’s the story of John, the athletic kid who lost his life dream— to play for the New York Jets.
But it’s also about their remarkable resilience over decades and their ultimate victory— the saga of two lifers— one famous, one not— who beat the odds, won freedom and have a message for all of us: Live, laugh and love!
https://rubinforeverafighter.com/(opens in a new tab)
Biography Peter Thurling:
Peter Thurling is an award-winning writer, director and producer of trending documentaries from the 1970s to today’s release of his feature Rubin Hurricane Carter: Forever A Fighter.
His work spans the globe from Primal Scream’s Arthur Janov in Los Angeles “To Live to 140" an outpost in the Andes of Ecuador, to Stinking Creek poverty in deep Appalachia, and a musical odyssey by float plane over Canada.
Through more than 70 films he’s focused on stories that explore the human spirit in all its fantastic diversity. His partner through it all has been legendary Toronto TV producer Joan Schafer.
Their feature on Rubin Carter follows the black boxer’s life fight to make the wrongly convicted a mainstream issue.
We go with Rubin on a final road trip back to his spiritual home in rural Georgia where Rubin picked cotton as a child.
And we go beyond his death to consider his influence on how we live and die in our racial wars— still raging today.
ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE: This screening takes place in a pop-up venue that requires stairs to enter and is not wheelchair accessible. For questions about accessibility or accommodation needs, please call Bennington Theater at 802-500-5500.
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Bennington Theater
Located in the heart of downtown Bennington, Vermont, Bennington Theater is your home for live entertainment. From professional plays and musicals to stand-up comedy, live music, and special events, the theater offers something for everyone in an intimate, welcoming space. With a 136-seat auditorium, state-of-the-art sound and lighting, and a focus on community engagement, Bennington Theater brings top touring acts and local talent together for unforgettable performances.
Bennington Theater is an accessible facility, committed to providing a comfortable and inclusive experience for all patrons. Please contact the theater directly for any specific accommodations or accessibility needs.
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