After receiving hundreds of letter and phone calls of both support and outrage over the screening of the 1915 silent film "The Birth of a Nation," the Capitol Theatre is a day a way from showtime.
The Rome theatre has attracted national attention for its decision to screen a movie most consider racist. Rome resident Walter Schmidt believes the movie is racist, but thinks people should consider when it was made when judging it. He says,
"There are things in there that probably some people would consider extremely inappropriate. But you have to look at it in the context of its time."
The Birth of a Nation chronicles the turbulent times in the post-Civil War, reconstruction South. Its depiction of African-Americans has long been criticized, but critics have also praised it for its groundbreaking cinematic style.
Theatre Director Art Pierce is expecting protesters outside the theatre and officers from the Rome Police Department will be on hand.
Pierce hopes viewers see the screening as an educational experience. After the movie a panel will discuss the film with the audience. Jack Theakston travelled all the way from New Jersey to be on the panel. He says it's fine to protest the film, as long as you've seen it,
"There are many people who are protesting this film who have never seen it. I find that someone protesting against something they know nothing about is ignorant in itself."
As Pierce reflects on the controversy his theatre has generated over the months, he says he's learned something important about the the town he lives in,
"I've learned that we do have a community that's passionate about things and they will fight for what they believe in."
The Birth of a Nation will begin at 7 PM on Saturday night.
