Independent Lens: More Than a Month

Independent Lens: More Than a Month is a thought-provoking documentary produced in 2012 as part of PBS's Independent Lens series. This film is a compelling exploration of what Black History Month means to the people of the United States as it pushes its audience to reflect more deeply on the relationship between history, identity, culture, and societal formation.

The 86-minute long documentary is directed and narrated by Baton Rouge native Shukree Hassan Tilghman who strives to uncover a startling new perspective on the celebration of Black History Month. He began this journey out of the desire for Black history to be recognized as essential, untethered to any specific month, particularly the shortest month of the year. It is this belief that sets the tone of the documentary and guides us through its course.

More Than a Month uses a road trip motif, with Tilghman traveling around America, interviewing people on the streets and capturing their views on Black History Month. Through this trip, the documentary becomes an enlightening sociopolitical pilgrimage as well as a humorous and relatable personal quest. It provides a look at invisible patterns embedded in our psyche and societal practices regarding the recognition and understanding of black history.

The movie wisely moves beyond the cursory recounting of a handful of significant historical facts or biographies normally associated with Black History. Instead, it unveils a vibrant tapestry containing lesser-known events and figures that have shaped the past and present state of black lives in America. To add further depth, Tilghman intersperses analysis and opinion from various historians, activists, educators, and cultural critics. It's through their lenses that we critically inspect and question the relegation of Black history to just one single month.

A pivotal moment in the documentary is when Tilghman visits the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the organization responsible for initiating Black History Week, which later evolved into Black History Month. This visit, coupled with an interview with the ASALH’s director, offers a historical context behind the conception and evolution of the designated event. It echoes the necessity of such a month in a time where black achievement was disregarded or unnoticed and questions whether such a necessity still prevails in the contemporary world.

The strength of More Than a Month lies in its ability to draw a debate of dissenting voices. While some interviewees advocate for a more integrated approach to teaching Black history throughout the year, others are firm believers in maintaining the traditional form to ensure black achievements are given the recognition and importance they deserve.

Alongside its reflections on Black History Month, Independent Lens: More Than a Month also touches upon the personal exploration for Tilghman. This journey prompts him to introspect on the cultural and personal significance of his black heritage and the kind of history he wants for his future descendants. The movie skillfully weaves Tilghman's personal narrative into the broader discussion about Black History Month, creating a resonating emotional arc.

Despite its serious subject matter, the documentary doesn't shy away from using humor and satire to make its points. This contributes to the overall accessibility of the film, making it widely relatable for audiences of different ages and backgrounds.

In conclusion, Independent Lens: More Than a Month leverages a blend of personal narrative, street interviews, expert commentary, and a vast historical range to construct an engaging debate about the relevance and future of Black History Month. It's a documentary that encourages its audience to ask questions rather than comfortably settling for what is presented. The movie steps outside the traditional documentary format to deliver a stirring examination of the interconnectedness between history and identity, urging viewers to recognize Black history as American history – the kind of history that merits acknowledgment and celebration every day of the year, not just for one month.