KU filmmaker’s faux documentary takes new look at slavery

By Mary Jane Dunlap

Kevin Willmott, script writer, film producer and assistant professor, likes to say that Trent Lott might still be Senate majority leader had he seen Willmott’s newest film, Confederate States of America.

Willmott’s film will premiere in Lawrence at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at Liberty Hall, 642 Massachusetts St., as part of the Langston Hughes February Festival celebrating Kansas writers and artists.

Using a faux documentary style, CSA examines what the United States would be like if the South had won the Civil War.

Willmott describes his satire as probably the most controversial film never to have sex, nudity or violence, due to the topic -- slavery.

Willmott hopes his film will prompt audiences to think and talk about slavery and racism and their impact on our society. He will lead a discussion following the 100-minute film.

“Some people find it very liberating. One person said to me, ‘It’s about time,’” Willmott says. A few walked out.

In Illinois, some viewers wanted copies of the film to use as a tool to teach history and race relations.

“Slavery is a topic that doesn’t sell well in Hollywood,” he says. “I wanted to find a way around Hollywood’s lack of interest in producing films about slavery and thought about a script based on what if the South had won the war.”

Willmott’s previous films include Ninth Street, winner of the Independent Film Channel Award and based on Willmott’s experiences growing up in Junction City.