In a sprawling interstate epic, a group of activists, artists, faith leaders, celebrities and political candidates journey across the country — 65 years after the original Freedom Riders got on the bus — to fight the same fight in the very same battleground states.
Midterm elections are fast approaching, and now is the time for a dose of hope. Original Freedom Riders of 1961 and their progeny join along the way, sharing their stories and connecting past and present. The roads and waters become a character of resistance, as do the communities that join and the underground artivism that takes shape.
The film starts by following one bus, with more joining at each stop. Billboards line the highway with a secret message signaling the movement. Local artists join the call, creating an underground signal at each stop where muralists join forces — and cookouts and roller-rink parties await. What comes of the movement is not merely resistance but celebration.
We converge in New Orleans, the final stop of the original Freedom Rides — a nod to a stop they never completed because of the violent resistance they encountered. A battleground in 1961, and similarly in 2026.
The journey
The bus journey itself, and the work of galvanizing each community to vote in the final two weeks before the election.
The parallels
The past national movement, set beside present-day struggles — 1961 and 2026 cut side by side.
The culture
A movement reborn through art and music — murals, activations, and a rolling “tiny desk” bus of musical activism.
Washington, D.C. Dawn, October 18th. It’s a chilly fall day. The sun is starting to rise. A group of travelers converge by an old bus in front of the Metropolitan A.M.E. Church. There’s a flurry of hurried movements, a crunch of leaves beneath feet. The energy in the air is palpable. A prayer echoes. A blessing is being made for a long journey ahead.
From the treatment
An award-winning documentary director and producer, named one of DOC NYC’s 40 Under 40 Rising Documentary Stars to Watch, and a Sundance and NBC Original Voices alum. Projects she has worked on have been nominated for a Producers Guild Award and a Canadian Screen Award. She started out as an editor in reality television, where she honed her storytelling, then worked in live sports broadcasting as a technical director and producer.
The film blends verité tour footage, 1961 archival material and sit-down interviews — described as a blend of Knock Down the House and Summer of Soul, with the American interstate as the backdrop of change.
Rev. Dr. Michael Waters
Executive Producer. Founder and Lead Pastor, Abundant Life A.M.E. Church, Dallas.
Pastor Doug Pagitt
Executive Producer. Executive Director, Vote Common Good and Greater Things Foundation.
Rev. Traci Blackmon
Organizing partner. Faith Out Loud, shaping evening programming along the route.
AP
Prolific New York painter and sculptor. Curator of the art experience along the journey.
Suave
Independent hip hop artist. Curator of the musicians riding across The Ride.
We are raising $400,000 for immediate production and post needs. Executive Partners at the $100,000 level receive Executive Producer credit and an equity stake in the finished film.
