Free Renty: Lanier v. Harvard (2021)
“The question is, who owns the rights to the violence of the past? Is it the victim or the perpetrator? ” — Tamara Lanier
FREE RENTY tells the story of Tamara Lanier, an African American woman determined to force Harvard University to cede possession of daguerreotypes of her great-great-great grandfather, an enslaved man named Renty. The daguerreotypes were commissioned in 1850 by a Harvard professor to "prove" the superiority of the white race. The images remain emblematic of America’s failure to acknowledge the cruelty of slavery, the racist science that supported it and the white supremacy that continues to infect our society today. The film focuses on Lanier and tracks her lawsuit against Harvard, and features attorney Benjamin Crump, author Ta-Nehisi Coates and scholars Ariella Azoulay and Tina Campt.
Cast
- Tamara Lanier - Self
- Ta-Nehisi Coates - Self
- Benjamin Crump - Self
- Tina Campt - Self
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Free Renty: Lanier v. Harvard about?
- FREE RENTY tells the story of Tamara Lanier, an African American woman determined to force Harvard University to cede possession of daguerreotypes of her great-great-great grandfather, an enslaved man named Renty. The daguerreotypes were commissioned in 1850 by a Harvard professor to "prove" the superiority of the white race. The images remain emblematic of America’s failure to acknowledge the cruelty of slavery, the racist science that supported it and the white supremacy that continues to infect our society today. The film focuses on Lanier and tracks her lawsuit against Harvard, and features attorney Benjamin Crump, author Ta-Nehisi Coates and scholars Ariella Azoulay and Tina Campt.
- Who directed Free Renty: Lanier v. Harvard?
- Free Renty: Lanier v. Harvard was directed by David Grubin.
- Who stars in Free Renty: Lanier v. Harvard?
- Free Renty: Lanier v. Harvard stars Tamara Lanier, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Benjamin Crump, Tina Campt.
- How long is Free Renty: Lanier v. Harvard?
- Free Renty: Lanier v. Harvard has a runtime of 1h 34m (94 minutes).
- What genre is Free Renty: Lanier v. Harvard?
- Free Renty: Lanier v. Harvard is a Documentary film.
- Where was Free Renty: Lanier v. Harvard produced?
- Free Renty: Lanier v. Harvard was produced in United States of America.