Commissioner Eileen Higgins will premiere the documentary INTERSTATE at the Miami Film Festival, offering an in-depth look at the U.S. Highway System's impact on African American neighborhoods, particularly Miami's Overtown. The premiere is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. today at SilverSpot Cinema, with Higgins moderating a post-screening discussion with co-directors Oscar Corral and Haleem Muhsin, according to a Miami-Dade press release.
The film explores the contrast between the engineering achievements of the Interstate highway system and the damage it caused to Black communities, including the displacement of homes, businesses, and cultural centers. Higgins emphasized that the film highlights a history that has been overlooked for too long.
INTERSTATE features personal stories and expert commentary, with contributions from figures such as former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter. The documentary aims to encourage discussion and reflection on urban planning and social justice.
The film, premiering at the Miami Film Festival, aims to both inform and engage audiences, raising awareness of the historical consequences of the U.S. highway system and its ongoing effects on communities. Tickets and more information are available on the Miami Film Festival's website.
