Hampton Art Lovers : "Movies Under a Simple Tree" featuring "Interstate"

Hampton Art Lovers Presents: "Movies Under a Simple Tree" featuring "Interstate" | Hosted by Urgent Inc. | Sponsored by Miami Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins (District 5).

Interstate is an inspiring documentary that delves into the complex legacy of the U.S. Interstate highway system, celebrating its engineering triumphs while confronting its profound effects on minority communities, especially African Americans. Launched a decade after World War II by President Eisenhower, this ambitious 41,000-mile project, costing $51 billion, reshaped the economy and ignited hope for progress. However, it also led to the displacement of vibrant Black neighborhoods in cities like Miami, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Baltimore, Montgomery, and New Orleans.

The film highlights the resilience in the face of adversity, focusing on the heartbreaking destruction of communities such as Overtown in Miami, Rondo in Saint Paul, Treme in New Orleans, and West Baltimore's "Highway to Nowhere." It also shines a light on the targeting of civil rights leaders’ homes in Montgomery. Through narratives of empowerment, the documentary explores themes of redlining, economic impact, health consequences, and visionary alternative solutions, inviting meaningful dialogue on healing and restoring what was lost.

“This film sheds light on a history that has been overlooked for too long,” said Miami Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins, who is featured in the film. “While the Interstate system is celebrated as an engineering marvel, we must also acknowledge the devastating consequences it had on Black communities, their homes, businesses, and culture. We hope to spark important conversations about repairing this damage and moving forward by amplifying the stories of resilience from these communities.”

Director Biography - Oscar Corral, Haleem Muhsin are united by their passion for storytelling, bringing their collaborative talents as co-directors and co-producers to this impactful project.

Oscar Corral, a Cuban-American journalist and Emmy-winning filmmaker, is dedicated to shedding light on significant social issues. His upcoming work, *Interstate*, promises to explore the profound influence of the U.S. Interstate highway system on underserved communities. Previously, he directed *Tom Wolfe Gets Back to Blood* (2012), which aired nationally on PBS, and the Emmy-winning film *Exotic Invaders: Pythons in the Everglades*. Corral’s documentary *The Crossfire Kids* (2014) earned an Emmy nomination, showcasing his commitment to vital cultural narratives as a former journalist with the Miami Herald and Newsday.

Haleem Muhsin, a cinematographer, producer, and director based in South Florida, has achieved acclaim for his purposeful storytelling across various mediums. His body of work, enriched by collaborations with talented filmmakers like Oscar Corral and Marlon Johnson, reflects his unwavering commitment to meaningful narratives that resonate deeply. His experience with Emmy Award-winning crews underscores his dedication to visual storytelling that inspires and engages.

Director Statement: This documentary evolved from a short film that examined the construction of I-95 and its impact on Overtown, Miami's historic African American community. During our journey, we discovered that this was not a singular occurrence but a nationwide phenomenon. From the mid-1950s to the mid-1970s, the creation of the Interstate highway system disrupted Black life, culture, and wealth across the country. Many African Americans were forced from their homes at a time when segregation and redlining made moving to better areas nearly impossible. Instead, they found themselves in remote suburbs with limited public transportation and economic opportunities.

The highways consumed cherished homes, churches, businesses, and public spaces, but those affected exemplified remarkable resilience, pushing back against this systemic destruction. The interstate highway system, while a marvel of engineering, was perceived by some as a tool used to stifle the fight for civil rights. Regardless of the motives, the consequences have been profound and enduring. The impacts of the Interstate highway system ripple through African American communities from Miami to Minneapolis, Baltimore to Los Angeles. This story, rich with complexity and depth, has yet to be fully explored in film and literature. We aim to illuminate this era of innovation that, while advancing America, also wrought devastation for countless lives. Amidst the ongoing struggle for justice and restoration, we honor those still grappling with the effects and celebrate their spirit of resilience and hope for a brighter future.