Watch Answering the Call

As a documentary film, Answering the Call from 2016 is a moving and inspiring look at the life and career of civil rights icon John Lewis. Throughout the film, viewers are taken on a journey through Lewis's childhood, his early activism with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and his later career as a politician and public figure.

One of the most striking aspects of Answering the Call is the way it uses archival footage to transport viewers back in time. From the black and white footage of peaceful marches turned violent to colorful footage of Lewis's speeches and interviews, the film does an excellent job of bringing history to life. In particular, the film's use of footage from Bloody Sunday, the moment when Lewis and other protesters were brutally beaten by Alabama state troopers, is both powerful and heart-wrenching.

At the same time, Answering the Call is also a deeply humanizing look at John Lewis the person. Through interviews with Lewis himself and with friends, family, and colleagues, we get a sense of his humor, his warmth, and his unwavering commitment to justice. We learn about his close relationships with fellow activists like Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife Lillian, and we see how those relationships evolved over time.

Another highlight of the film is the way it situates Lewis's fight for civil rights within the larger context of American history. From segregation and Jim Crow to the Voting Rights Act and the more recent surge in voter suppression, Answering the Call shows how the struggle for equality has taken many forms over the years. Importantly, the film also situates Lewis's activism within the broader context of the struggle for Black liberation around the world, from South Africa to Palestine.

Ultimately, though, what makes Answering the Call so powerful is its focus on Lewis's unshakeable faith in the power of nonviolent protest. Again and again, we see Lewis and his fellow activists peacefully standing up to state violence, often at great personal risk. And even when faced with brutal attacks or imprisonment, Lewis never wavers in his belief that love and nonviolence are the most powerful tools for change.

In the end, Answering the Call is a moving and deeply inspiring tribute to one of America's greatest heroes. Through its powerful use of archival footage, its humanizing portrait of Lewis the person, and its unshakeable affirmation of the power of nonviolent protest, the film does an excellent job of capturing the spirit and legacy of John Lewis. Whether you're a longtime fan of Lewis or new to his story, this is a film well worth watching.

Answering the Call is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes.