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Across the Tracks

Michael Cooke
United States, 2015, 15 min.

In English.
Includes adult language.

Two African American sisters grow up in racially charged 1960s Georgia. But one is born with light skin. When schools integrate in their small town, she decides to change her destiny - by passing for white.

Director's Statement

Most of us have suffered prejudice, struggled with identity and our place in this world. But in a politically charged climate, this is a very different struggle. In our film, young Ella is not noble. She doesn't make a choice for the Greater Good or take a stand against Tyranny. She is just a girl pursuing her American Dream. The choice she makes may not be the choice we all would, but passing for white at the time meant the difference between being free and being at the back of the bus. And it's a choice she has to live with the rest of her life. What choice would you make? We wrote this film to pay respect to the folks who stood together, changed the laws and redefined our lives. It wasn't an easy choice to make, but we are grateful they made them.

Category: Drama.
Themes: Identity, Youth.

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