Deacons for Defense (2005)
Inspired by a true story, this drama is set in 1965, not long after passage of the Civil Rights Act. Despite the Act, the African-American citizens of Bogalusa are still treated like third-class citizens, their fundamental rights as human beings persistently trampled by the white power structure, in general, and the local branch of the KKK. The story follows the formation of local black men, particularly ex-war veterans who after the struggles become too overbearing organizes the group, "Deacons for defense", an all-black defense group dedicated to patrolling the black section of town and protecting its residents from the more violent aspects of "white backlash."
Director: Bill Duke
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Forest Whitaker as Marcus Clay |
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Jonathan Silverman as Michael Deane |
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Chris Britton as William Chase |
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Ossie Davis as Reverend 'Rev' Gregory |
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Tyrone Benskin as Archie |
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Mpho Koaho as Bailey |
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Melanie Nicholls-King as Rose Clay |
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Adam Weiner as Charles Hillibrand |
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Boyd Banks as Weber |
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Paul Benjamin as Otis |
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Aaron Walpole as Jimmy |
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Beau Starr as Neely |
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Gene Mack as T.J. |
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Khafre Armatrading as Brooks Clay |
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Paulino Nunes as Lawson |
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Serena Lee as Lucille Clay |
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Daniel Kash as Slocum |
| Directing | Bill Duke | Director |
| Writing | Frank Military | Writer |
| Writing | Richard Wesley | Writer |
| Costume & Make-Up | Tamara Winston | Costume Design |
| Directing | Gretchen Helbig | Script Supervisor |
| Editing | Harry Keramidas | Editor |
| Camera | Ron Stannett | Director of Photography |
| Production | Stephanie Gorin | Casting |
| Art | Peter Emmink | Production Design |
| Production | Nick Grillo | Producer |
| Sound | Michel Colombier | Music |
| Writing | Michael D'Antonio | Story |
