ATLANTA—The production of "Harmony of Freedom" brought together a diverse network of professionals, faculty, alumni and students from Georgia State University to produce this multimedia documentary.
The documentary was initially envisioned as a student project, but Harmony of Freedom soon became a citywide initiative, uniting institutions from across Atlanta. The documentary features a performance of Margaret Bonds’ Montgomery Variations and includes insightful interviews with civil rights leaders, such as Jill Savitt, CEO of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and musicologist Dr. Marva Carter (Associate Professor of Music History, Popular and World Musics in the School of Music). Through these elements, the film pays tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and examines how music can drive social change.
Jackson Allred’s Vision
Jackson Allred, a School of Music alum, conceived the idea for Harmony of Freedom last September while completing his master’s degree in orchestral conducting. “I chose Margaret Bonds’ Montgomery Variations because it is one of the most profound and overlooked works born out of the Civil Rights Movement. Bonds poured into it both deep sorrow and unshakable hope. I felt that if we could bring this music to life alongside the voices of today, it would not only honor history but also remind us that the struggle for equality is ongoing,” Allred shared.
On his creative roles, Jackson elaborated: “I never set out thinking, ‘I want to direct a documentary.’ The project demanded it. To tell this story with the honesty and clarity it deserved, I had to step into the roles of producer, writer, and director. It wasn’t about wearing multiple hats for the sake of it; it was about shepherding the vision so that every element, from the music to the interviews to the visuals, spoke with one voice.”
Filming Restrictions
Filming the documentary presented its own unique challenges. The production team had limited access to GSU’s Kopleff Recital Hall. They were restricted to two takes per selection: one for wider angles and one for a moving camera to capture solo performances. They also had only a few hours to film the film's critical centerpiece, Montgomery Variations, a seven-movement orchestra piece composed by the late Margaret Bonds.
Cinematography and Collaboration
School of Film, Media & Theatre MFA alum and then-Limited Term Lecturer Shawna Walker joined as Director of Photography. She described the experience as both unique and deeply meaningful, as her team engaged with a vital topic - voting rights - while speaking with remarkable individuals in historic spaces. For Walker and her team, the project was more than just filmmaking. It was a chance to honor voices and struggles that continue to shape America today.
Walker shared that “One of our biggest challenges was capturing a live orchestra performance under demanding conditions: limited time, limited takes and the complexity of coordinating seven cameras. Despite these obstacles, the team rose to the occasion. I’m incredibly proud of the group I brought together: Krew Keth, Carla Serrano Crespo, Ebrahim Tahir, Kamal McAllister, Shya Everett, Anecia Johnson, Nicolai Zwick and Pavel Inin - talented alumni, seasoned industry professionals and promising graduate students. Each of them generously donated their time out of dedication to the subject and a passion for uplifting the stories of marginalized communities.”
As Director of Photography, Walker credited her crew’s skills, commitment, and dedication as essential to Harmony of Freedom’s creation. She feels privileged to have worked alongside them and is proud to see all the things they go on to achieve within the field.
Producers and Student Contributions
School of Film, Media & Theatre MFA candidate Didi Paulini served as a producer on the project. Paulini also brought in alumna Emily Wilson as 1st Assistant director. Fellow MFA candidates Guilherme Trielli Ribeiro, Pavel Innin and Ibrahim Tahir initially volunteered as production assistants. Pavel and Ibrahim later stepped in as additional camera operators for key angles and Guilherme stepped up as the audio engineer.
Reflecting on her experience working across disciplines with Jackson, DiDi expressed how meaningful it was to work on Harmony of Freedom and to have the opportunity to share the history of the Civil Rights Movement through the powerful mediums of music and film.
Didi continued, “It was inspiring to collaborate with so many talented people and institutions, including the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Georgia State University and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, as well as our dedicated crew and the incredible musicians who generously volunteered their time and talent. Seeing the project come to life at the premiere was a highlight for me. This documentary is more than a film, it is a living tribute to the power of art to inspire change and a testament to what we can achieve when we come together. I am immensely proud of what our team has accomplished and can’t wait to see what comes next for this project.”
Archival Research
School of FMT Professor of Practice Melba Williams served as a co-producer, providing guidance as faculty throughout the documentary process. Her Community-Based Media class also conducted archival research at the Auburn Avenue Research Library, some of which was featured in the film. “It was powerful to expand the storytelling of the music in this way and to introduce those documentary tools to our students.”
Professor Williams reflected, “It was exciting and eye-opening to collaborate across schools. Each of us learned a bit more of the other's language, and we all worked creatively to respect the nuances of both.”
The film was broadcast on WABE on August 4, 2025, and had its theatrical debut at Kopleff Recital Hall on August 6, 2025. It will soon be available on PBS Passport, with additional distribution opportunities under consideration.