Prom Night in Mississippi

Director: Paul Saltzman

Review By: Shawn Morton

              As Americans, we’d like to believe that our country is beginning to really move past the old racial problems that have plagued our nations past.  Prom Night in Mississippi shows that these intolerances are still alive in Charleston, MS, and pervade many aspects of the town’s life.  As the title of the film mentions, this documentary focuses on the Junior/Senior Prom in Charleston, MS.  The problem is the school still has two separate proms-one for the white students and one for the African American ones.  Yes, even in this day and age there are some places where the schools are integrated but simple things like proms are not.  After an introduction to the town and situation, Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman makes an offer to the seniors of the high school and the school board to pay for the school’s prom if they integrate it.  Morgan asks the kids if they understand why there are still separate proms, and they do not.  The students are very excited about the idea while some of the parents are hesitant.  The film is amazingly well made and poignant.  The film shows that in the midst of racial intolerance there are those that want to let go of the shackles of the past.

              Overall, in my humble opinion, this was one of the best films we saw during the festival.  Although towards the end it felt a little on the lengthy side, the story of redemption and change was incredibly impacting.  It’s amazing what one little offer of love can do to change the world…or one little town.