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Deep Dive: The Picture Taker (2022)

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The Picture Taker
The Picture Taker focuses on the life and work of photographer Ernest Withers, who captured nearly 2 million images documenting Black history from his studio in Memphis, Tennessee. The film presents Withers as a significant figure in the civil rights movement, illustrating his contributions through his extensive photographic archive. However, the film also addresses the complexities of Withers' legacy, revealing that he secretly served the FBI for decades. This duality raises questions about his role within the civil rights community, prompting viewers to consider whether he was a friend or an enemy, or perhaps both, to the movement he documented.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Ernest Withers, a key figure in Black history.
  • •Find out about Withers' secret FBI connections.
  • •See the impact of his photography on civil rights.

Did You Know

•Ernest Withers took nearly 2 million photographs during his career.
•Withers' secret FBI service was revealed only after his death in 2007.
•The film has a runtime of 80 minutes.

Perfect For

Civil rights historyPhotography enthusiastsFBI history