Movies by Deborah Riley Draper

Deborah Riley Draper is a filmmaker whose work shines a powerful spotlight on underrepresented stories and perspectives. Her distinctive documentary style blends meticulous research, intimate character studies, and a keen eye for the visual poetry that can be found in the everyday. Draper's films often focus on exploring the intersection of race, identity, and social justice. In movies like Olympic Pride, American Prejudice and Twenty Pearls: The Story of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, she uncovers hidden histories and amplifies marginalized voices. Her 2024 film Ratified delves into the ratification of the 19th Amendment, illuminating the complex, multifaceted fight for women's suffrage. Similarly, 13 Days in Ferguson offers a nuanced, on-the-ground account of the protests that erupted in the wake of the police killing of Michael Brown. Underlying Draper's work is a commitment to using the power of cinema to challenge narratives, provoke thought, and inspire change. Whether chronicling watershed moments or profiling unsung heroes, her films are both enlightening and emotionally resonant. With an unerring instinct for cinematic storytelling, Deborah Riley Draper has established herself as a vital voice in contemporary documentary filmmaking.