A sold-out crowd at the Charleston Gaillard Center gathered Thursday to honor Polly Sheppard, one of five survivors of the June 17, 2015 shooting at Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church, at a special screening of the documentary Be Still & Know. Sheppard hid under a table while gunman Dylann Roof murdered nine people during Bible study that night, and the film built around her account drew enough interest to fill the house.
The screening, held on Oct. 22, was reported by WCBD News 2, which noted that through Sheppard’s words, the film reveals what she witnessed that night. The documentary is directed by Marquis Bell, with Trudy Lucas helping ensure the story remains true to Sheppard’s voice and perspective, according to the same report.
A Firsthand Account, Years in the Making
Be Still & Know follows Sheppard’s journey through the night of the shooting and her path to forgiveness and healing, according to Live 5 News. That outlet reported the film includes the full 911 call and interrogation audio and video of Roof from his trial, and that it is available to watch on the Lumina Network.
At the Gaillard Center, Sheppard discussed her journey through grief and therapy, sharing what WCBD News 2 described as a deeply heartening message of resilience, grace and forgiveness. News 2’s Carolyn Murray interviewed Sheppard on stage after the screening, addressing a crowd of about 250 people, the station reported.
From Under the Table to a Public Voice
Sheppard’s account of the attack has been part of public record for more than a decade. The Post and Courier previously reported that from under the table, she called 911, then watched his feet as he approached, saying, “I was just waiting for the bullet.” That same Post and Courier reporting connects her story to civic advocacy, noting that Sheppard speaks out in favor of gun regulation and a hate crimes bill.
Her public advocacy has continued in other forums as well. ABC News 4 reported on Sheppard’s call for statewide hate-crime legislation, noting in its coverage that Roof was charged and convicted for hate crimes on the federal level and became the first person sentenced to death for a federal hate crime, according to ABC News 4.
Turning Her Story Into a Lasting Record
Coverage of Thursday’s screening arrives alongside separate reporting on Sheppard’s broader efforts to preserve her story. Yahoo reported that she was scheduled to attend the sold-out screening at the Gaillard Center, placing the film within a wider account of her life purpose and legacy. Across each report, the throughline remains the same: a survivor who hid under a table in 2015 now stands in front of audiences telling that same story in her own words.
