American cinema is often “inspired by a true story,” but some of the most powerful movies are those that fly under the radar yet are equally inspired by and based on the lives of real people, living and dead. The American Black Film Festival DVD series includes several such films, including Black August, the tale of inmate activist George Jackson, whose younger brother took and entire courtroom hostage to protest Jackson’s trial for robbing a gas station. For those who haven’t seen Black August, we’re giving away three DVDs of the film courtesy of Warner Home Video.
This daily entry contest is open worldwide to anyone 18 years old or older. Simply complete and submit the entry form below (up to once per day per email address) through the giveaway’s deadline of 11:59pm PST on March 14, 2008. Winners will be chosen at random and notified via e-mail, so make sure you leave us a valid email address. Good luck!
DVD synopsis: Inmate activist George Lester Jackson’s (Gary Dourdon, CSI) short life became a flashpoint for revolution, igniting the bloodiest riot in San Quentin’s history. Black August traces Jackson’s spiritual journey and violent fate, from being sent up on a one-year-to-life sentence for robbing a gas station to galvanizing the Black Guerilla Family with his incendiary book of letters, “Soledad Brother.”
