Film Evening - The Best of Enemies

Part of Black History Month Celebrations

The Best of Enemies (2019) is a film about the true life relationship between Ann Atwater, an African American civil rights activist, and CP Ellies, a local Ku Klux Klan leader. Set in Durham, North Carolina in 1971, it follows their intense rivalry as they are forced to co-chair a two-week community meeting to resolve a court ordered school desegregation crisis. 

Please be advised that the film contains mature themes and historical depictions of systemic racism. To help you make an informed viewing decision, the film includes:

• Explicit racial slurs: Frequent use of historical hate speech and racial epithets.
• Hate group activity: Clear depictions of Ku Klux Klan (KKK) meetings, imagery, and crosses being burned.
• Racial violence and intimidation: Scenes showing gun violence, threats of physical harm, and property damage targeting the Black community.
• Historical trauma: Depictions of segregation, systemic oppression, and educational inequality in the 1970s American South.

While the film ultimately explores themes of reconciliation, civil rights activism, and personal transformation, the historical accuracy of the conflict means that certain scenes may be distressing or triggering for viewers.