Rock Island Prison 1864 - An Award Winning Drama Sheds Light on the Untold Story of Black Union Soldiers
Washingtoner/10283704

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - Washingtoner -- Award Winning Drama Sheds Light on the Untold Story of Black Union Soldiers

Guarding Confederate POWs at the Rock Island Prison in 1864

Winner of the Best Drama Short in the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival, director  Joy Shannon brings a powerful and deeply personal perspective to history with her latest film, a groundbreaking fictional story that unearths the overlooked history of Black Union soldiers who were assigned to Rock Island Prison in 1864 where they encountered hostile Confederate prisoners of war.   Growing up in the very region where these events took place, Shannon has long felt a profound connection to this chapter of American history. Now, through this film, she brings these voices to life in a compelling story based on true facts.

More on Washingtoner

• May The Worst Team Win! Loserball Kicks Off Another NFL Season of Hilarious Mayhem
• Black Women Living With, and Impacted by, HIV Express Gratitude, Grief, Joy, and Resilience
• MainConcept Easy Video API Extends Full Transcoding to Arm and NETINT VPUs
• Continuous You Foundation Announces Partnership with Haawke Neural Tech to Build Provenance-Bou
• Metamora Events Brings New Interactive Event Experiences to Portland and Vancouver

The film delves into the harrowing experiences of Black soldiers who fought bravely during the Civil War, only to find themselves confronted with Confederate soldiers. This story, of one that is often left out of mainstream historical narratives that do not allude to their struggle for survival, dignity, and recognition.  This is a vital piece of American history, like the story of Harriet Tudman, Rosa Parks, the Buffalo Soldiers and Tuskegee airmen, it deserves to be told.

"This story has lived in the shadows for far too long," said Shannon. "Having grown up in Rock Island, I have always been aware of its history, but the stories of Black soldiers stationed there have remained largely untold. This film seeks to give them the voice they were denied."

The film weaves together dramatic scenes to paint  a vivid picture of resilience and perseverance. Shannon's deep-rooted connection to the region adds a unique authenticity to the storytelling, making it a must-see for those passionate about history and social justice.

More on Washingtoner

• Cruxy shortlisted for two Private Equity Wire® US Awards 2026: Advisory Firm of the Year (Overall) & Value Creation Consulting Firm of the Year
• Lake Norman Philharmonic - Free Community Concert
• Amaris Mint® Confirms UK Availability of Swedish-Made BioBoost Daily Nutrition Range
• Sea Tales Strengthens U.S. Leadership Team as Retail Expansion Accelerates
• Spokane Police Officers Arrest "Grave Robber"

The film's PR campaign will target historians, educators, the Black community, and general audiences, emphasizing the significance of this overlooked history and its relevance today. By bringing attention to these soldiers' untold sacrifices, Shannon hopes to spark meaningful discussions about race, recognition, and remembrance in America.

For ticket information visit:  https://hollywoodreelindependentfilmfestival.com/

Premiere: March 8, 2025 at 5pm @ The Regal Stadium Cineplex Theaters at L.A. Live, 1000 West Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, 90015

Film's website: www.rockislandprison.com