International African American Museum Presents “Downing of a Flag,” “A Tree Story,” and Preview Screening of “High Water” as part of 2025 Summer Film Series

May 16, 2025

MEDIA ADVISORY: Three Upcoming Screenings During IAAM Summer Film Series

Contact: Paul Holston, IAAM Marketing & Communications Manager, [email protected]; IAAM Marketing Division, [email protected]

International African American Museum Presents “Downing of a Flag,” “A Tree Story,” and Preview Screening of “High Water” as part of 2025 Summer Film Series

Charleston, S.C. – The International African American Museum (IAAM) invites the community to delve into compelling narratives with the continuation of its Summer Film Series, featuring three upcoming screenings. This program is presented in partnership with the AfroSouth Film Festival, a 501(c)(3) organization and premier showcase event that highlights the contributions and inclusions of the African Diaspora on southern culture through the art of filmmaking.

“The Summer Film Series is designed to create space for reflection, dialogue, and connection through film,” said Brandon Reid, IAAM’s Public Historian. “Through our partnership with AfroSouth Film Festival, we’re proud to present films that not only illuminate the complexities of history, but also invite audiences to wrestle with its legacies and imagine new possibilities together.”

On Thursday, May 22 from 6:00PM to 9:00PM, IAAM will present “Downing of a Flag.”This compelling two-hour documentary investigates the complex history and impact of the Confederate Battle flag on South Carolina and beyond. The film explores how the Confederate flag has affected the people, politics, and perception of South Carolina—and how this reflects America’s continued reckoning with its racial history.

Told through first-hand interviews and archival footage, “Downing of a Flag” traces the Confederate flag’s rise and fall in South Carolina—from its hoisting above the Statehouse in 1961, through decades of controversy and protest, to its final removal after the 2015 tragedy at Mother Emanuel AME Church. The film unpacks the flag’s enduring symbolism and the broader reckoning with race and memory in America.

Next month on Thursday, June 5 from 6:00PM to 9:00PM, the IAAM Summer Film series continues with a double film feature of “A Tree Story” and a preview screening of “High Water.” After the screenings, attendees will have the opportunity to meet with the featured filmmakers and local voices during an insightful discussion.

“A Tree Story” is a poignant documentary chronicling the fight to protect ancestral land and the iconic Angel Oak on Johns Island, S.C. from overdevelopment and rising seas. The film powerfully captures the deep-rooted resilience of a community that has long championed environmental justice and cultural preservation.

Following this, “High Water” is a newly produced narrative short that follows the main character Peter as he cares for his mother in a rapidly, changing Charleston city, where climate change and gentrification threaten a historic Gullah Geechee community. With its vivid storytelling and contemporary lens, the film explores modern struggles to safeguard land and legacy, drawing a direct line between past and present preservation efforts.

Tickets for both screening dates are only $10 and can be purchased directly through the IAAM website.

Details: “Downing of a Flag” Film Screening
Date: Thursday, May 22, 2025
Time: 6:00PM to 9:00PM EDT
Location: 14 Wharfside Street, Charleston, S.C. 29401
Parking Instructions: Metered parking is available on Concord Street. Paid parking is available at the SC Aquarium Parking Garage (24 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC 29401).
Tickets: [REGISTER HERE!]

Details: “A Tree Story” & “High Water” Film Screenings
Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025
Time: 6:00PM to 9:00PM EDT
Location: 14 Wharfside Street, Charleston, S.C. 29401
Parking Instructions: Metered parking is available on Concord Street. Paid parking is available at the SC Aquarium Parking Garage (24 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC 29401).
Tickets: [REGISTER HERE!]
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About the International African American Museum

The International African American Museum (IAAM) explores the history, culture, and impact of the African American journey on Charleston, South Carolina, the nation, and the world, shining light and sharing stories of the diverse journeys, origin, and achievements of descendants of the African Diaspora. Located at the historically sacred site of Gadsden’s Wharf, IAAM honors the untold stories of the African American journey. Learn more about IAAM at www.iaamuseum.org and follow IAAM on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, andBlueSky.