exclusive pre-release SCREENING OF the Film "sweet freedom"

Sweet Freedom

We are pleased to announce the exclusive pre-release screening of the film "Sweet Freedom," by local filmmaker Alyssa Botelho, which highlights the life of New Bedford confectioner Polly Johnson, who hosted many travelers on the Underground Railroad. This event will be held on Saturday, February 8, at 2:00 PM at Saint Michael’s Church Parish House, 378 Hope Street, Bristol, RI. 

"Sweet Freedom" is a 28-minute historical drama set in 1839 New Bedford, Massachusetts. The movie tells the inspiring true story of Polly Johnson, an Afro-Indigenous confectioner and business owner who served as a station master on the Underground Railroad in New Bedford. An important yet often overlooked abolitionist, Polly saved countless lives, including that of Frederick Douglass. She was a trailblazer who risked everything to uphold the ideals of freedom.

The production was enriched by collaborations with the Pocasset Wampanoag Tribe and the New Bedford Historical Society to ensure cultural and historical accuracy. Shot entirely in Southeastern Massachusetts, the film features a talented team of independent filmmakers and actors from across the U.S. and Canada.

More than just a historical drama, "Sweet Freedom" is a testament to the enduring power of resistance and the legacy of unsung heroes like Polly Johnson, whose cakes, candies, and ice creams concealed her vital role in the fight for freedom. It's a story that educates, inspires, and celebrates the courage of individuals who shaped the ideals of justice and freedom that we cherish today.

The filmmaker will provide a brief introduction before the screening. Light refreshments resembling those of the period will be available. The film is suitable for all audiences. And there will be a free raffle for attendees to win a valuable prize! 

Please join us on Saturday, February 8, at 2:00 PM at Saint Michael’s Church Parish House, 378 Hope Street, Bristol, RI. 

While this event is FREE and open to the public, the Bristol Middle Passage Project would greatly appreciate donations to help fund its mission.

Watch short videos about the film at the links below. (May be preceded by commercials)

Alyssa Botelho Discusses the Film

Trailer for Sweet Freedom

Alyssa Botelho, Filmmaker

Alyssa Botelho is a filmmaker from Fairhaven, Massachusetts, with a passion for spotlighting stories that history has overlooked. She has directed 20 short films. Her work has earned multiple accolades, including "Best Director" and "Best Short Fiction" from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences - New England Undergraduate Student Chapter, often known as the "Student Emmys."