Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln: Two Leaders

Abraham Lincoln is revered as America’s abolitionist president, but his thoughts about ending slavery were far from ideal. It would take the steady influence of the abolitionist movement and one of its leaders, Frederick Douglass, to guide Lincoln to becoming “The Great Emancipator”. Douglass was himself born enslaved and through the power of education became a giant that influenced American history.

Directed by Anna Derryberry, Laura Anderson, Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln: Two Leaders leans on a strong ensemble — Aaron Goodson, Christopher Swindle, Robin Roberts — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 2023.