UNC Wilmington residents and students alike gathered Thursday night in Kenan Hall to watch the newest documentary from local filmmaker Christopher Everett.

“Wilmington on Fire” showcases the events of the 1898 Wilmington Massacre that killed thousands of African Americans and started the white supremacy movement in North Carolina. After the screening, a panel was held with Everett and other key diversity specialists to discuss issues addressed in the film.

“When I heard about 1898, I said to myself ‘Why has no one made a film about this?’ So I just did it,” said Everett. “I knew people in the business so I used the medium and connections I had to make the film.”

The panel addressed issues such as police brutality, current events and the history taught in New Hanover County schools. “As a teacher, I’m sensitive to the younger generation,” said spoken word artist and teacher, Kelly Rae Williams. “They’re bound to repeat what happened, because history is not being passed down. [They] don’t see what they can achieve.” Williams, along with other panelists, hopes the local schools will pick up the film to show as an educational tool.

Panelists and audience members were angered by the events shown in the film. Several audience members even stated it reminded them of events happening today. “The problem here is that the U.S. has left black America behind,” said researcher and cast member of the film, Kent Chatfield. “We have a problem in this country and it’s multifaceted. Until people recognize it, nothing will happen.”

“Wilmington on Fire” premiered at the Cucalorus Film Festival this past November where it earned a spot in the top five most popular films. Since then, the film has been booked for several showings across North Carolina next month, including Charlotte and Durham.

The soundtrack for the film features several local artists handpicked by the director. Each song speaks not only to the issues and events of the film, but also to the Wilmington community.

These songs make up what Everett considers “real rap,” because they tell a story unlike many of the hit songs on the radio. “You have a lot of great underground artists that are doing stuff… a lot of these artists are just wanting to do good. They want exposure, so they let us use it for free,” said Everett.

This film screening is one of the first of many black history events taking place across the area during the month of February. Other events include Bernice King on Jan. 22 and the Dance Theatre of Harlem on Feb. 8. The New Hanover County Public Library will also be showing several historical films throughout the month in honor of Black History Month.

Everett announced in the panel that there will be a sequel to the film that will focus more on the economic impact. He wants to address the financial issues the events of 1898 left behind and show how they are still affecting the Wilmington community today. The sequel is set to start filming later this year.