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Ken Williams's The Restore Fellowship Documentary recently showed at the 2026 Reel Black Film Festival. It gives information about the Restore Fellowship, which was created by Equity and Transformation Chicago (E.A.T.).
E.A.T. has the goal of "build(ing) social and economic equity for Black workers engaged in the informal economy." They have many programs including the Restore Fellowship. The Restore Fellowship brings five black workers to West Africa to reconnect with their history and culture.
The documentary takes us on an adventure along with the fellows as they learn about the history of chattel slavery in West Africa. During the first section in Porto-Novo, Benin uses pieces of animation to retell the story of the colonization in the area. This gives the documentary a unique and fun feel. The animation allows the film to stay light while covering a darker subject.
These types of stories have been hidden from us. History is told by the conquerors.
"Colonialism has made the stories incomplete on purpose."
The film also tells the story of a woman taking over as king after the former king betrayed the country. If you think you've heard this story before, that's because it was told in The Woman King. However, the film tells us that The Woman King had some inacurracies. It retells the story to reclaim it.
The fellows embrace their culture by learning Fongbe, one of Benin's indigenous languages, and engage in cultural activities including music and dance. However, this is not the only source of music within the movie. The fellows also made their own song about their travels after returning to America. The two musical moments remind us that we are still connected to our cultures despite all the time that's passed.
"Together, we are one."
As the winner of the Audience Choice Award in the Feature Documentary category at the Reel Black Film Festival, The Restore Fellowship Documentary reminds us how to reconnect with our roots. Despite its sometimes darker topics, the film oozes with black pride and joy.
If you're interested in seeing The Restore Fellowship Documentary, it's available with a subscription to KweliTV.
And, if you'd like to support the Restore Fellowship or any of E.A.T.'s other programs, you can send them a donation here.
