Zoom discussion of ‘The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman’ set for Sept. 8

Actress Cicely Tyson played the part of Jane Pittman in the 1974 film, “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.”

The Saratoga Jewish Cultural Festival (SJCF) will present a panel discussion on Zoom of the acclaimed 1974 film, “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman,” on Sunday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m.

The made-for-television film is considered groundbreaking for its humane and respectful treatment of African Americans before, during and after slavery.

According to organizers, it is fascinating in its incredible detailing of life for blacks in the United States, using the fictional Miss Jane Pittman as the lens. It includes struggles and triumphs, including significant events and themes of the Civil War, slavery, reconstruction, sharecropping, unequal education, abuse of power and the civil rights movement.

The film opens in 1962 as the lead character and Jane Pittman celebrates her 110^th birthday. Quentin Lerner, a white journalist, visits to learn her story. Through flashbacks. she recounts her life from her birth into slavery during the 1850s to living through the civil rights movement.

“This is actually a film (and book) ahead of its time,” says Phyllis Wang, coordinator of SJCF. “History up to this period was primarily told through men, mainly white men, while this sweeping history of black Americans is told through and by a woman.”