Banned Together: A Documentary Screening and Talkback hosted by LWV Charleston

“Banned Together is a must-watch. At once inspiring, illuminating, enraging, and terrifying, the film captures the true threats of book banning and the power of young people and authors in fighting for the freedom to read!"      –Jonathan Friedman, Managing Director, PEN America

Banned Together is a feature-length documentary that follows three diverse high school students from Beaufort County, SC who stood up to their school board when 97 books were suddenly pulled from school libraries.  It's a narrative that explodes through public protests, private threats, and dramatic board meetings; while also showing us the potential of constructive dialogue and student activism to resolve differences. The film takes us beyond SC as the students journey  to Washington DC to speak with prominent authors, elected officials, and scholars.  

This documentary has been screened at film festivals and for dozens of groups nationwide. It can be appreciated on many levels: for its focus on the ongoing controversies in our state about book bans and curriculum in public schools; for its inspiring demonstration of how committed students can mobilize to change minds and policies; and as a warning about the impact of toxic rhetoric on public school communities and educators.  

The screening will be followed by a talkback panel and Q&A featuring:

• Mary Foster, professional educator and leading local and statewide advocate for intellectual freedom and anti-censorship issues. She is a Board Member of Families Against Book Bans (FABB), appeared in the film, and was recently named ACLU SC's Advocate of the Year.  
• Katherine Freligh, Legislative Chair for the SC Association of School Librarians, who authored SC's Freedom to Read Bill - H. 4059) and received the 2024 SCASL/SCLA Intellectual Freedom Award for her advocacy.
• Isabella ('Izzy') Troy Brazoban, one of the students who is prominently featured in the film!   

Banned Together is a film by Atomic Focus Entertainment.

View the trailer! 

The location is Queen Street Playhouse (home of the Footlight Players), 20 Queen Street in downtown Charleston. 

Tickets are free. RSVP required to reserve a seat.  

Optional donations may be made online or at the theater.

LWV South Carolina is a member of the Freedom to Read SC Coalition.