The Ridgefield Playhouse is recognizing Black History Month with a screening of “Fruitvale Station” as we look at racism and police violence against black victims.

The movie, which is free, is part of our Reel to Reel series that connects diverse communities through cinema.

“Fruitvale Station,” is based on the real-life story of Oscar Grant who was fatally shot in 2009 on New Year’s Day by Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) police.

The film won a Grand Jury prize and Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival. It was directed by Ryan Coogler and stars Michael B. Jordan, Octavia Spencer and Melonie Diaz.

After the film, Reel to Real moderator, Cheryl Washington will go “Beyond The Story” with a prerecorded interview with the Reverend Wanda Johnson, Oscar Grant’s mother. During this powerful and at times emotional interview, Wanda discusses her son’s legacy and the Oscar Grant Foundation she created as a way to heal the distrust between Black residents in high crime communities and law enforcement.

Fruitvale Station Free Movie RSVP

This film is Rated R.