Watch Did You Wonder Who Fired The Gun?

Did You Wonder Who Fired The Gun? is a thought-provoking documentary film directed by Travis Wilkerson, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2017. The film explores the racial violence and inequality that continues to plague America, as the filmmaker uncovers shocking revelations about his family's past. The documentary begins with Wilkerson's grandfather, S.E Branch, and his bold declaration that he once shot and killed a black man in Dothan, Alabama. Wilkerson's initial shock sends him on a journey to investigate this incident and discover more about his family's history. Along the way, he confronts his own racial biases and grapples with the difficult realities of systemic racism.

Through a series of interviews with family members, historians, and experts, the film examines the Deep South's history of violence against black people, from slavery to Jim Crow to present-day systemic racism. Wilkerson exposes the ways in which white supremacy has been ingrained in American society for centuries, through the exploitation and oppression of black people.

One of the most powerful elements of the documentary is its focus on the personal impact of racism on individuals and families. Wilkerson speaks candidly about his own struggle with white privilege and the guilt that comes with realizing the benefits he has received simply because of his skin color. He also highlights the pain and trauma experienced by black families, who have endured generations of violence and oppression.

The film is also a meditation on memory, and how our perceptions of the past shape our present-day realities. Wilkerson grapples with the fact that his grandfather, a man he has always revered, was capable of such a heinous act of violence. He realizes that his family's silence on the matter has perpetuated a culture of denial and willful ignorance, and that the only way to move forward is through confronting the truth.

In addition to Wilkerson's personal journey, the film also has broader political implications. It is a powerful call to action for all Americans to confront the legacy of racism in the United States, and to work towards a more just and equitable future. The film does not offer easy answers or quick fixes, but rather challenges viewers to engage in difficult conversations and confront uncomfortable truths.

The cinematography and direction of the film are also exceptional. The subdued, almost melancholic tone of the film perfectly captures the weight of the subject matter, while the use of archival footage, family photos, and interviews creates a sense of intimacy and authenticity. Wilkerson's narration, delivered in a calm, measured voice, is both introspective and poetic.

The one potential weakness of the film is that its focus on Wilkerson's personal journey may not resonate with all audiences. Some viewers may be more interested in a broader exploration of racism in America, rather than the intricacies of one family's history. However, even for those who don't identify with Wilkerson's story, the film's message is universal and its impact profound.

Overall, Did You Wonder Who Fired The Gun? is a groundbreaking documentary that confronts the painful legacy of racism in America. Through an intimate exploration of one family's history, the film exposes the systemic violence and oppression that continues to perpetuate inequality in our society. It is a powerful call to action for all Americans to engage in the difficult work of confronting our past and building a more just and equitable future for all.

Did You Wonder Who Fired The Gun? is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 78.