 |
(Photo of Mumia Abu-Jamal during recent contact visit.) |
World Premiere of Long Distance Revolutionary: A Journey with Mumia Abu-Jamal
--An interview with filmmakers Noelle Hanrahan and Steve Vittoria
By Angola 3 News
On October 6, the new documentary film entitled Long Distance Revolutionary: A Journey with Mumia Abu-Jamal, will be making its world premiere at the Mill Valley Film Festival, just north of San Francisco.
Mumia Abu-Jamal is a veteran
journalist, author of seven books, and a former Black Panther who was
convicted of first-degree murder in the shooting death of white
Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel Faulkner in a 1982 trial deemed
unfair by Amnesty International and many others. Abu-Jamal, who has
always maintained his innocence, spent almost 30 years in solitary
confinement on death row in Pennsylvania. The death sentence has now
been officially overturned and since early in 2012, Abu-Jamal is out of
solitary and in general population at SCI-Mahony, with such new
`privileges' as contact visits with family and friends (view photos).
Long Distance Revolutionary features interviews with a range of longtime Abu-Jamal supporters including Pam & Ramona Africa of the International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal, Amy Goodman & Juan Gonzales of Democracy Now, Cornel West, Alice Walker, Angela Davis, and many others. Making his first appearance in a film about Abu-Jamal is actor Giancarlo Esposito, known recently for his role as Gustavo Fring on the AMC TV series, Breaking Bad.
Featured in Long Distance Revolutionary
is a clip of Esposito reading from Abu-Jamal's first book Live From
Death Row at a mid-1990's event supporting Abu-Jamal in Philadelphia.
The rally attracted a large counter-demonstration outside of the event,
that had been organized by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). In the
film's recent interview, Esposito reflects upon the intensity of that
day, and fearing that his acting career would be negatively affected by
the broader FOP-led campaign of public intimidation towards those
supporting Abu-Jamal. These intimidation tactics surfaced again this
week, as Politics PA reported
on a National Republican Congressional Committee "campaign consisting
of online ads reminiscent of Willie Horton and hundreds of thousands of
robocalls" linking Abu-Jamal to congressional candidate Kathy Boockvar.
Philadelphia's disturbing history of racial oppression and officially sanctioned police violence is a central focus of Long Distance Revolutionary's
interview with Linn Washington Jr., currently an Associate Professor of
Journalism at Temple University and a columnist for the historic
Philadelphia Tribune--the nation's oldest African-American owned
newspaper. In the film, he comments that "Philadelphia has a veneer of
liberalism and this whole Quaker mystique. The reality is it has been
this ruthlessly racist city—really from its inception."
Linn Washington has been covering the
Mumia Abu-Jamal/Daniel Faulkner case since the morning of December 9,
1981. While not spotlighted in Long Distance Revolutionary,
Washington has continued to report on the many different reasons that
Abu-Jamal deserves a new trial, including a recent test he conducted
with journalist Dave Lindorff. The results are interpreted by Washington
and Lindorff to have conclusively disproved the prosecution's scenario
of the shooting presented at Abu-Jamal's 1982 trial (see article and video).
We interview Noelle Hanrahan and
Stephen Vittoria about their new film examining Mumia Abu-Jamal's life
and work as a revolutionary journalist. Vittoria is the writer,
director, editor, and co-producer of Long Distance Revolutionary. His
last film, One Bright Shining Moment: The Forgotten Summer of George McGovern
won "Best Documentary Features" at the Sarasota Film Festival. He also
recently was a producer on two feature documentaries by Academy Award
winner Alex Gibney: Gonzo: The Life & Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson and Magic Trip.
Noelle Hanrahan co-produced the film
alongside Vittoria and co-producer Katyana Farzanrad. The director of
Prison Radio, Hanrahan first began to record Abu-Jamal's radio
commentaries from SCI-Huntington's death row in 1992, which now total
over 2,000 (archived at www.prisonradio.org).
Mumia Abu-Jamal has now written seven books, including Jailhouse Lawyers: Prisoners Defending Prisoners v. the USA, The Classroom and the Cell: Conversations on Black Life in America (with Marc Lamont Hill), and Message to the Movement.
Angola 3 News: Unlike previous documentary films about Abu-Jamal, your film deliberately avoids the legal/factual background of Abu-Jamal's case and instead focuses entirely on his life and work as a revolutionary journalist. Why did you choose to do this?
Steve Vittoria: First of all, John Edginton made an excellent film about Mumia's case and it was broadcast here in the States on HBO entitled Mumia Abu-Jamal: A Case for Reasonable Doubt?
Even though it was made back in 1995, it's a fairly comprehensive look
at the legal narrative. Books, articles, other films, as well as a
myriad of videos have been distributed worldwide that deal with the
case.
As a documentary filmmaker, unless
I've uncovered something so different than what's already been created,
why traverse ground already traveled? What has really interested me
about Mumia Abu-Jamal since I first heard his commentaries and read his
work was his extraordinary ability to transcend the Draconian hell that
is Death Row and suggest alternative narratives to the myths of
so-called American justice and liberty. His work over the last decade or
so has evolved into a sophisticated and searing indictment of American
imperialism – on a par with Howard Zinn, Noam Chomsky, and the ever
courageous Arundhati Roy.
In the film, Cornel West sums it up
this way: "He forces us to come to terms with the depths of the crisis
of the American Empire." In a country run by mass murderers, economic
rapists, and general run-of-the-mill sociopaths, you're forced to look
for some sanity, some compassion, maybe even some love in the bowels of
this asylum. I found that sanity courageously written from a dark, dank
hole in America's prison gulag.
Here's a man who has been fighting for
the victims of a violent empire since he was fourteen years old. Here's
a man who has published seven books from death row and who has written
thousands of commentaries that have been broadcast all over the world
from death row, that impact real people every day. Remember, thirty
years on Death Row and he hasn't blinked. As a storyteller, that's an
incredible story to tell.
The story about his case can be summed
in one line uttered by the judge in his case, the Honorable Albert F.
Sabo, who boasted in chambers: "I'm going to help them fry the nigger."
That's all you really need to know about the case.
Noelle Hanrahan: The impact of Mumia Abu-Jamal's writing and his radio commentaries is far greater than one, albeit dramatic, incident. Yes, Mumia was shot and critically injured on Dec. 9th 1981, yet that is clearly not the defining moment of his life. It is not who he was or who he has become. For
the very first time, through this movie, people can begin to see what
circumstances and forces shaped Mumia, and how he in turn has shaped the
world.
A3N: The
film begins with a variety of right-wing talking heads, ranging from
Michelle Malkin to Michael Smerconish, who are shown calling Abu-Jamal a
`cop-killer,' among other things. Why do you begin the film this way?
How do you respond to their `cop-killer' accusation?
SV: The entire film is a
response to their lunatic ravings. It's like taking candy from a baby. I
wanted to let the bed-wetters have their say right off the bat and let
the audience experience how ridiculous their gibberish really is. Some
may think that it's vile, that it's ugly, that it's hate mongering or
fear mongering, but it's really absurdist comedy because there's no
basis in reality, and that's the light it should be seen in. Why not
begin the film with a clown parade?
Documentary audiences need some
laughs. In 1932, Tod Browning directed a horror film called "Freaks"
about circus sideshow performers, including a bearded lady, pinheads, a
sword swallower, you know freaks. Maybe this is homage to Tod Browning.
NH: First, mainstream media claptrap led by Fox TV reaches and influences millions. They are trying to weave a fictional narrative and feed it to folks as if it is reality. News
once had a veneer of professional practice, and noble goals. The last
thirty years have brought a dramatic shift in what passes for mainstream
journalism. Corporate capital has bought out and dumbed down what today passes itself off as broadcast news.
News today leads with pet stories and
gore, and fast paced shrill video and sound bites that are emptied of
content and serious analysis. Frankly, it is a perfect storm for the
expansion of the police state. `Cop Killer' is like some red towel
before the bull, two words that they throw out to divert attention from
the real issues that are at the core of the repression that dominates
this culture. They obfuscate, confuse, frighten, threaten,
and tell us War is Peace. These are tactics and methods of the state and
their hired enforcers: the police.
A3N: Noelle,
as someone that has collaborated with Abu-Jamal since the early 1990's,
what do you think the mainstream media has failed to accurately report
on regarding his journalistic career and struggle for freedom?
NH: In 1981
Mumia was an award-winning mainstream journalist who was extremely well
known in Philadelphia. Today, if you listen to mainstream reporters
they would try and sell you a lie upon lie upon lie about Mumia. I have
been stunned by the ignorance and duplicity of the writers and reporters
who are determined to try and rewrite history.
20/20 actually distorted Mumia's voice
(that I had recorded) because they wanted it to sound worse. Mumia was
not allowed to conduct his own defense and was removed from the court
room during his trial because he was having a positive impact on the
jury. He was compelling and his voice is very authentic.
The police spent days in the studios
of WUHY (now WHYY) where Mumia had worked, poring over his audio tapes
trying to find something to play for the jury that would enflame the
jurors. They listened to dozens of hours of tape, but everything that
they came across that he produced would have had a positive effect on
the jury. They eventually dug up something he had written in the Black
Panther Party paper when he was sixteen, a quote actually from Mao
Tse-tung: "Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun" This is
what the police had read to the jury to try and convince them that he
was just waiting to kill a cop, to inflame them, to push the jury to
vote for death. This jury had asked for reinstruction on manslaughter.
Remember it was July 3, about to be the 4th of July weekend,
when the jury was facing sequestration over the holiday weekend, and the
judge and the DA pushed them to come back with death.
Our film counters the false mainstream
narrative with facts. "He forces us to come to terms with the depths of
the crisis of the American Empire and how do you create some
awakening," notes Cornel West in the film.
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(Cornel West in Long Distance Revolutionary.) |
A3N: Stephen,
while Noelle has been working with Abu-Jamal since the early 1990's,
you have approached this project as an `outsider' of sorts. What was
your impression of Abu-Jamal before starting the project? Did this
impression change following the completion of the film?
SV: Actually, I worked with Mumia a few years before I started this project, when I was producing a documentary entitled Murder Incorporated: Empire, Genocide, and Manifest Destiny
and Mumia recorded twenty-five remarkable short essays that defined the
march of Empire over the last five hundred years – from Columbus
setting foot on Hispaniola to George Bush's murder spree in the Middle
East. So I had some history with Mumia as a contributor to my film and
that was really the genesis of Long Distance Revolutionary.
As I approached this project, my
impression of Mumia was this: a brilliant writer, a courageous voice
battling the forces of tyranny, a tireless warrior, a fierce researcher
completely dedicated to his craft, and ultimately a long distance
revolutionary. After producing this film for three years, none of that
changed because my impression was spot on and solidified.
But what I did learn that pleasantly
surprised me was from a personal standpoint, because after thirty years
in hell the man remains gentle, he remains loving, and for me, above
all, funny. Mumia loves to have fun, loves to laugh. When we visit,
sure, we talk about drone attacks, poverty, torture, mass incarceration,
you name the horror and we talk about it. We even talk a lot about art
and music. Mumia loves music. Most of the time we laugh and talk about
the craziness masquerading as culture in this country.
 |
(Angela Davis in Long Distance Revolutionary.) |
A3N: Specifically, what do you think is most significant about Abu-Jamal's life and work?
SV: Clearly, it's been
the consistency of his work and the consistency of his message. Of
course he's matured as a writer but his belief structure has remained
remarkably consistent. Professor Todd Steven Burroughs from Morgan State
defines this well in the film, saying: "I was astounded at the fact
that at 15 years old, he was essentially the same writer. The style was a
little more dogmatic as a Panther. You know, because he's using all
this Panther rhetoric, "Do Something, Nigger, Even If You Only Spit!"
But, at core, it is the same black leftist analysis that he does at 56.
And I was shocked at that."
I think Todd is right on and I think
the film captures this reality. How many writers, how many activists,
how many revolutionaries remain that consistent? Not many. I know I'm
not. But Mumia has managed to stay true to his spirit. Maybe that has
something to do with being right.
NH: Mumia has been
consistently focused on exploring and honoring the humanity of those
people in society who often remain unheard. His dedication to his craft
and his commitment to speaking truth to power, regardless of the
oppression and obstacles is truly epic. As a journalist myself, I could
not imagine doing more important work than amplifying prisoner's voices
and listening to their perspectives.
 |
(Amy Goodman in Long Distance Revolutionary.) |
A3N: Along with video
footage of Senator Bob Dole's infamous tirade against Abu-Jamal on the
Senate floor in the mid-1990's, you also spotlight some more recent
footage from the `discussion' of a Congressional Bill condemning the
City of St. Denis, a suburb of Paris, France that named a street after
Abu-Jamal. What do you think it was about this street-naming that so
outraged US politicians? What do you think are the primary motives of
the Philadelphia FOP-led campaign against Abu-Jamal? Do you think it
would be accurate to describe this campaign as a modern-day lynch mob?
SV: The
street-naming publicly outraged US politicians because the US Congress
is so weak and ineffectual when it comes to representing the true needs
of their constituency and actually affecting change that might actually
move the society forward. Things like real health care, real education,
and real financial reform are truly important, but instead they latch
onto things that they can yell and scream about--pretending that they're
actually doing something. And Mumia was the perfect patsy.
They create a demon, stir up the
racism that runs through the US psyche like a main circuit cable, and
then start lying. This formula has worked in the US since the founding
fathers were counting their slaves. It's an old and insidious game, but
it works because the sheep buy it every time.
Regarding the FOP and their ongoing
campaign, is it accurate to call it a modern-day lynch mob? Of course it
is. Lynching never stopped in this country. The props just changed:
trees and rope were replaced by mass incarceration. Law professor and
author of the bestselling book The New Jim Crow, Michelle
Alexander, framed it this way in the film: "There are more African
American adults under correctional control today, in prison or jail, on
probation or parole, than were enslaved in 1850 – a decade before the
Civil War began."
NH: Anyone
who questions the hegemony of the right wing is subject to their ire.
They certainly protest a lot more than it seems appropriate. It makes
one wonder, are these truths and their revelation, so damaging to the
state that they have to use every conceivable tactic of intimidation to
try and suppress it?
 |
(Alice Walker in Long Distance Revolutionary.) |
A3N: Can you each please tell us about one notable interview featured in the film that viewers should be sure to watch for?
SV: Two interviews stand
above all the rest. First is Lydia Barashango, Mumia's sister who
passed away just before we finished the film. Her memories of growing up
with Mumia were warm and wonderful and honest to the bone. When we
interviewed Lydia she was already in the horrific throws of cancer and
yet she represented her family's history with dignity, respect, and
great honor. She was also, like her brother, very funny. Her memories
captured Mumia's life with great love.
The second interview was filmed in 1995 by John Edginton for his film Mumia Abu-Jamal: A Case for Reasonable Doubt?
I love this interview for two reasons: one, it captured Mumia's
intellect and rebellious nature, and two, Mumia looks great because the
interview was shot on film and Mumia is extremely confident--it's like
this moment of his life was captured forever. It's very iconic imagery.
NH: Wow that is hard. Everyone
has something to say that is very poignant, interesting and in many
cases, profound. We will be releasing longer versions of many of these
interviews, so folks should tune in as we post them at www.mumia-themovie.com.
We will be editing and posting more from Dick Gregory, Cornel West, and
Michelle Alexander. We also have a DVD of extras that is available now
from www.prisonradio.org.
 |
(Linn Washington Jr. in Long Distance Revolutionary.) |
A3N: How do we get to
see your movie? Are there upcoming film screenings besides the Mill
Valley Film Festival? When will the DVD will be released?
SV: Visit www.mumia-themovie.com to see the updated screening list. After
the Mill Valley Festival, the film enjoys a great fall festival run. We
begin at the Starz/Denver Film Festival on November 3 and 4, CPH:DOX
Copenhagen on November 7, and then the great New York City doc festival
DOC NYC on November 10. The film will then open theatrically in New York
and Los Angeles early in 2013 followed by other cities, special
engagements, and an extensive college tour.
Video on Demand and Home Video will be
released shortly after the theatrical opening. In fact, the DVD will
have some amazing extras including extended interviews with our historic
cast.
 |
(Ramona Africa in Long Distance Revolutionary.) |
A3N: Anything else to add?
SV: Earlier, I mentioned a project entitled Murder Incorporated: Empire, Genocide, and Manifest Destiny.
I decided to shelve the film but not the project. Mumia and I have
decided to write this story as a non-fiction book and we are now well
into the process. In the long shadow of Howard Zinn, we hope this
500-year story will shed some needed light on the myth and reality of
American history.
NH: Just to
take a bit of a risk and be a bit vulnerable, as it has been twenty
years that I have been on this journey, let me share with you a note I
wrote to Mumia:
Someone asked me why I connect with you. Well, actually they said `why do I love' you? I hesitated then answered:I, with every molecule of my soul, want the world to be more beautiful, more generous, and more caring. I dream about that. Helping the world hear your voice is like participating in a wonderful and deeply moving jazz quartet, or with all the folks that make this possible, even a symphony. It is that beauty, when your voice joins with ours, and the voices of all people of color are honored with our listening. And we inspire and move together to a deeper understanding of the present and our history. Now that, I believe is transformative. That spirit of possibility will change the world.I believe you will be free. This work--radio from prison--is truly your work. You continue, you struggle, no matter what the hurdles. Amazing. And we are there with you with every breath and every step you take toward freedom.
--Angola 3 News is an official project of the International Coalition to Free the Angola 3. Our website is www.angola3news.com,
where we provide the latest news about the Angola 3. Additionally we
are also creating our own media projects, which spotlight the issues
central to the story of the Angola 3, like racism, repression, prisons,
human rights, solitary confinement as torture, and more. Our articles
and videos have been published by Alternet, Truthout, Black Commentator,
SF Bay View Newspaper, Counterpunch, Monthly Review, Z Magazine,
Indymedia, and many others.
--Mumia is Innocent! Stop the Frame Up! Free Mumia!--
Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Coalition, NYC
www.FreeMumia.com,
--Mumia is Innocent! Stop the Frame Up! Free Mumia!--
Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Coalition, NYC
www.FreeMumia.com,
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