Enslaved

Enslaved is a critically acclaimed six-part docuseries aired on Epix in 2020. The series, hosted by the renowned actor Samuel L. Jackson, endeavours to revisit and shed light on the untold stories from the darkest chapter in human history, the transatlantic slave trade. To achieve this, the series uniquely combines high-end documentary techniques with dramatic recreations, making it an exciting blend of education, storytelling, and rich cinematography.

The narrative of Enslaved unfolds through the journeys Samuel L. Jackson embarks upon to reconnect with his ancestry. His explorations are rooted in deeply personal and poignant revelations that aim to bring forth a detailed, heartbreaking yet uplifting recounting of the intricate and extensive African diaspora. Throughout the series, he unfolds the vivid legacy of resistance, innovation, resilience and the indomitable spirit of culture and unity that African people carried with them during their forced migration to the New World.

Enslaved also gives viewers a sobering insight into the horrors of the Middle Passage, where millions of Africans were forcibly taken from their home continent across the Atlantic under horrifying conditions. The endeavor is highlighted through the remarkable task of diving expeditions led by Diving With A Purpose (DWP), a group of trained black scuba divers. They conduct underwater archaeology missions to recover, document, and preserve artifacts from slave ships that wrecked and sunk during the Middle Passage.

Each episode of the Enslaved docuseries skillfully combines emotion, factual research and stunning visual storytelling to portray the harsh realities and the resilience of the human spirit. With the titular theme focusing on enslavement, the series dives deep into different aspects of African heritage and the brutality of the slave trade. It focuses on cultural exchange, spirituality, rebellion, and the immense contributions of Africans to the world despite grueling circumstances.

While Samuel L. Jackson’s quest uncovers his personal roots and the narratives of his ancestors, the series further includes riveting interviews and engaging commentaries. This includes a variety of scholars, historians, authors, and activists who offer profound insights and contextual understanding of the historical events and cultural impact. These include Dr. Joy DeGruy, author of "Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome", who provides deep psychological insights into the enduring impacts of slavery, and Field Divers like Ken Stewart and Erik Denson from DWP who contribute to upholding underwater cultural heritage.

Enslaved is not merely a documentary series; it is a resounding call for education, awareness, and dialogue on an aspect of humanity’s past that has far-reaching effects on present-day racial and societal situations. It underscores the significance of understanding the ignominious history of the transatlantic slave trade not only for the descendants of those who were enslaved but for society at large. By revisiting this crucial yet painful history, the series underlines how far we have come and yet how much further we need to go to combat systemic racism and inequality.

Co-produced by Associated Producers Ltd., Cornelia Street Productions, and Anonymous Content, the series is directed by the award-winning Simcha Jacobovici. It boasts of striking cinematography by Chris Spencer-Lowe and Ian Kerr. Roger Ross Williams, Eli Selden, and Rob Lee join Samuel L. Jackson as the executive producers, enriching the overall production value of this potent series.

In sum, Enslaved is an exploration of a harsh past that has been fundamentally influential in shaping the world we live in today. It's an emotional and insightful journey towards the understanding and reconciliation of history. It's more than a series; it's an impactful education on survival, resilience, and the power of human spirit asserting identity and dignity in the face of inhuman practices. From the chilling tales of the Middle Passage to the narratives of cultural resilience and innovation of enslaved Africans, Enslaved serves as both a memorial to the human spirit's resilience and an urgent call for continued dialogue and understanding in our modern socio-political landscape.