Renowned playwright Lorraine Hansberry (A Raisin in the Sun) will be the subject of a new feature-length documentary directed by Tracey Heather Strain. The documentary will take viewers on a journey through Hansberry's extraordinary young life as a committed activist in the Black Freedom Struggle, as well as exploring her identity as a feminist and writer who contributed to the lesbian publication, The Ladder. In 1965, six years after the premiere and success of A Raisin in the Sun, Hansberry died at the early age 34, but she left an indelible legacy and mark on American Culture. For the past nine years, Strain has worked to develop the documentary with her husband and producing partner Randall MacLowry, executive producer Chiz Schultz and filmmaker Jamila Wignot. Their goal is to complete the documentary by next year, to pay tribute to the 50th anniversary of Hansberry's death. The filmmakers are bringing the story of this inspirational woman to screens using Kickstarter, and thankfully the documentary has now reached its goal with four days left to go.
Watch the Kickstarter trailer below, which features interviews with the late Ruby Dee, Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Dorothy Burnham, Douglas Turner Ward and others who knew Hansberry. To find out more and contribute, please click here