Chisholm '72: Unbought & Unbossed

In 1968, Shirley Chisholm was the first black woman to be elected to the United States Congress. In 1972, she was the first black woman running for president. In those days, this was a revolution. And it may still be if it happened again today. Not that Chisholm felt called upon to stand up especially for the interests of Afro-Americans or women: “I am not the candidate of any political bosses or special interests. I am the candidate of the American people,” she stated from the start. Shola Lynch's directing debut is abundant in archival footage, both of interviews and public appearances. By incorporating images of Chisholm's political rivals as well, we get a thorough impression of the political landscape of that era. A good thing, for this is a moment in American History that tends to be overlooked due to the Watergate scandal that dominated the country’s politics shortly thereafter. Using recent interviews, Lynch also manages to draw a comparison with current political candidates. Compared to Chisholm's unequivocal ideas and intuitive speeches, the present-day overly prepared political debates, running with the hare and hunting with the hounds, seem nothing more than lectures at Sunday School. (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)