Sites of Memory follows a diverse community group as they journey together to historical sites of racial violence, reflecting on the enduring impact of racism and envisioning new possibilities for a more equitable future. Through their shared experiences, the film captures deeply personal and collective reflections, exploring how these sites carry the weight of history while offering opportunities for healing and transformation. Featuring personal interviews, archival footage, and powerful imagery, Sites of Memory examines the role of memory in shaping our understanding of systemic inequities and resilience. As participants engage with these spaces, the film highlights the importance of truth-telling, community dialogue, and imagining pathways toward justice and reconciliation. More than a historical documentary, Sites of Memory serves as a call to action, challenging viewers to confront the past, honor the stories of those who endured, and join in building a future rooted in equity and shared humanity.
The film has screened at numerous film festivals and was honored with the Freedom Award at the 2024 Over-the-Rhine International Film Festival.
Discussion Guide
Creative Team
Castel V. Sweet, PhD
Producer – Sites of Memory
Castel Sweet is a community builder, embedded sociologist, and documentary filmmaker whose work lives at the intersection of race, place, and collective memory. As founder of Sweet Soil Narratives, she uses storytelling to preserve cultural memory, honor ancestral wisdom, and amplify stories often left out of the historical record. Her work explores the ways memory and place can be used to build bridges between the past and present toward a more just and liberated future. A native of Memphis, Tennessee and based in Mississippi. Her background in community engagement informs a filmmaking approach that is grounded in relational practice and collaboration with communities. With Sites of Memory, Castel brings together her commitments to storytelling, justice, and community care, inviting viewers into a shared journey of truth-telling, healing, and reimagining.
Antonio Tarrell
Producer – Sites of Memory
Antonio Tarrell is a filmmaker hailing from Bruce, Mississippi, whose expansive skill set spans producing, directing, and cinematography. Known for his ability to craft visually captivating images that advance narratives and resonate deeply with audiences, Tarrell has a unique talent for creating films that impact viewers on a subconscious level. His dedication to storytelling is evident in his varied body of work, which includes feature films, documentaries, and commercials. Tarrell’s films often explore themes of justice, memory, and social change, aiming to provoke thought and inspire action. Antonio Tarrell Films, under his guidance, has also made significant contributions to television, working with major networks on productions. Each project showcases Tarrell’s flair for engaging with complex topics through powerful visual storytelling, establishing him as a prominent voice in contemporary filmmaking.
Michael Fagans
Producer – Sites of Memory
Michael Fagans is a documentary filmmaker, photojournalist, and educator whose storytelling work has taken him across the globe, from the Navajo Nation to Malawi, India, and beyond. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Mississippi’s School of Journalism and New Media, where he teaches visual storytelling and documentary filmmaking. A published author of multiple books on iPhone photography, Michael brings a passion for accessible storytelling and deep community engagement to every project. On Sites of Memory, Michael brings his commitment to justice-oriented storytelling and a global perspective grounded in local action. He lives in Oxford, Mississippi with his wife, Rev. Deborah De Boer, their two children, and their cat.
Sponsors
