Netflix, Film Society Hosting Free Screenings, Discussions Of '13th'

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Netflix and the Film Society of Minneapolis-St. Paul are hoping to get people in Minneapolis talking about race in America this weekend following free screenings of Ava DuVernay's highly-acclaimed and hard-hitting documentary "13th."

DuVernay's latest work examines inequality in America following the passing of the 13th Amendment, which brought an end to the institution of slavery. However, through a loophole in the legal language, the film argues, the country's original sin was allowed to continue in America's prisons as a form of punishment, haunting and devastating black communities to this day.

Critics have praised the work, which can currently be viewed on Netflix, as a lucid, clear-eyed history, sure to leave viewers stunned and infuriated.

Initially, there was only supposed to be one screening of the film this weekend, but due to overwhelming response, the Film Society said it added another one. The screenings will take place at 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday at the Capri Theater on the city's north side.

Following the screenings, there'll be discussion sessions. The one following the early screening will be led by Film Society Programmer Craig Rice while the one following the second screening will be led by U.S. District Judge Michael J. Davis and other community leaders.

Food will be available from the nearby Breaking Bread Cafe, and the Twin Cities Mobile Jazz Project will perform ahead of the 6 p.m. screening.

Advance tickets for the screenings, which are free, can be reserved here.

DuVernay's other films include "I Will Follow," "Middle of Nowhere" and "Selma," which was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar in last year's Academy Awards.