Discussion Questions: The Birth of a Nation

• Describe the portrayal of blacks in the film. Would you describe any part of the depiction as accurate? Why or why not?
• What do you think was the purpose of portraying blacks in the way you observed in the film? Did the historical period in America during which the film was made influence the director’s decision to portray blacks in this way?
• Describe some of the many public responses to the film. Can you think of any film in your lifetime that has evoked a passionate public response? Why do you think people responded in that way?
• Did it have anything to do with the political or social climate? How about any other factors?