Glendora Premiers in NYC

By Tracy Penn

JA Guest Writer

On January 16, the documentary film “Glendora” was screened in New York City at the Dances With Films: NY festival. Isabelle Armand, based in New York, began work on this film in 2018. This is the same year her acclaimed book, Levon and Kennedy: Mississippi Innocence Project, documenting the wrongful convictions of two men, was published.

Although the film presents a stamp or moment in time, it is a true reflection of rural poverty-stricken Mississippi for African Americans. The movie documents the blight, the poverty, the making it without basic resources and quality infrastructure necessary for every day American life.

Glendora Mayor Johnny B. Thomas, who attended the screening in New York, described the significance and symbolism of the train. He explained the train comes through about four times a day, with its blaring horn, rumbling tracks, and filling the air with smoke. Sometimes, it takes 20 minutes for a single pass through. Although disruptive and disturbing for the residents, “it never stops in Glendora, it just passes through”.  

Some questions from the viewing audience focused on the Emmett Till project. Other questions raised more questions, including a nagging question of what to do now. Is the film a call to action? The audience wanted to understand how to engage. What does Glendora do now?

The film likely will be shown at additional film festivals and streamed on various platforms.