Feature Film ‘Equiano.Stories’ Premieres Today On Instagram
Premiering exclusively today on Instagram across 500 Instagram stories over 72 hour from Award-winning film studio Stelo Stories and the DuSable Museum of African American History is "Equiano.Stories," which brings to life the memoir of Olaudah Equiano, who was kidnapped and enslaved as a young boy in West Africa in 1756.
Followers of @Equiano.Stories will meet 11-year-old Equiano and watch his story unfold as he posts about 400 individual stories, totaling 80 minutes of content, over the first 48 hours of the film’s release. Just like today’s Instagram influencers, Equiano will share moments of his day -- from a carefree boy in his village with his loving family and rich culture to the fear and confusion of being kidnapped, up to the harrowing experience of life aboard a slave ship.
“Equiano.Stories” is focused on Equiano’s childhood story to connect him with today’s youth. He went on to become an influential figure in history -- after buying his freedom at about 20 years old, Equiano moved to London and later published his bestselling memoir in 1789. The firsthand account was critical in stopping the trading of enslaved people by England, the world’s biggest exporter of enslaved Africans at the time, and remains one of the era’s only first-hand accounts of life in Africa written by an African author.
Stelo Stories partnered with the DuSable Museum of African American History, a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate, to bring Equiano’s story to life. DuSable also contributed deeper educational content to the film and has created a museum exhibit that takes visitors into Equiano’s village to experience the culture of West Africa, featuring pieces from its own permanent African collection previously unseen by the public.