West Virginia State University (WVSU) will host special screenings of the new film “River of Hope,” on Tuesday, Feb. 18, in the P.A. Williams Auditorium of Ferrell Hall at 12:30 p.m. and again at 7 p.m.
The screenings are free and open to the public.
“River of Hope” is based on the true story of how former slave Mary Barnes Cabell and her children helped found West Virginia Colored Institute, now WVSU. Before the Civil War, Mary was purchased by Sam Cabell, who controversially married her and started a family. Set in a divided West Virginia in the 19th century, Mary and her children persevere through hope and forever change history.
The film’s director, Calvin Grimm, is a WVSU alum, along with over half of the film’s cast and crew. Starring Angelica Armstrong as Mary Barnes Cabell and Fiauna Linet as her daughter Marina Cabell Hurt. Rounding out the cast are Phil Washington as Christopher Payne, George Dale as James Edwin Campbell, Que Johnson as Byrd Prillerman, Herbert Gardner as Governor Aretus Brooks Fleming, and Ryan Gilleran as Sam Cabell.
Filming took place entirely in West Virginia and was produced by Vandalia FilmWorX Foundation, a West Virginia based non-profit filmmaking group, with support from Lost Valley Studios and WVSU. Production was funded entirely by donations.
The screening of “River of Hope” is one of many events taking place on the WVSU campus during the month of February in celebration of Black History Month. A complete calendar of Black History Month events can be found atwww.wvstateu.edu/blackhistorymonth.
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