RENEGADES, originally broadcast in 2024 on PBS, is an American Masters series of short films that showcases the lives and cultural contributions of little-known historical figures with disabilities.

Kitty O’Neil (1946-2018) was a racecar driver, stunt legend, and daredevil. Known as “the fastest woman in the world,” O’Neil broke the land speed record in 1976, clocking an average of over 512 mph in a three-wheeled rocket car across Oregon’s Alvord Desert. Presented with Open Captions (OC).

Renegades: Kitty O'Neil

The story of a Black Panther Party member and founder of the East Oakland Center for Independent Living, who had multiple sclerosis and used a wheelchair. Explore Brad Lomax’s under-reported contributions to the early disability justice movement, which laid the groundwork for the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act. Presented with Open Captions (OC).

Renegades: Brad Lomax

The story of a street musician, born with a condition that left her limbs unusable. In 1975, Tate Harrington won a custody battle against the Philadelphia Department of Child Welfare, which sought to take away her infant daughter, claiming that she could not provide adequate care. See how Tate Harrington’s fight to be a mother and earn an independent living was a revolutionary act. Presented with Open Captions (OC).

Renegades: Celestine Tate Harrington

Celestine Tate Harrington (1955-1998), born with a condition that left her limbs unusable, was a street performer in downtown Philadelphia and on the Atlantic City boardwalk in the 1980s and 1990s, who impressed audiences with her skill at playing the electric keyboard with her tongue.

An African American composer and pianist known as one of the greatest musicians of the 19th century, Thomas Wiggins (1849-1908) was blind from birth and likely autistic. Although born into slavery, Wiggins was the first African American to perform at the White House, and toured throughout the U.S., South America, and Europe. Presented with Open Captions (OC).

Renegades: Thomas Wiggins

Explore the story of the U.S. Senator for Hawai’i who was injured in battle during World War II, resulting in the amputation of his right arm. Posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his lifelong public service, Inouye championed the cause of justice and equality for all Americans, including people living with disabilities. Presented with Open Captions (OC).

Renegades: Daniel Inyoue

Daniel K. Inouye (1924-2012) was the first Japanese American to serve in the U.S. Congress and represented the State of Hawai‘i for more than 50 years.

The story of a woman with dwarfism who revolutionized the world of science fiction by editing and publishing books from sci-fi writers such as Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, Philip K. Dick and George Lucas’ “Star Wars” in novel form. See how science fiction narratives, through their speculative and imaginative nature, offer a more inclusive and equitable lens through which to redefine disability. Presented with Open Captions (OC).

Renegades: Judy-Lynn Del Rey

Judy-Lynn del Rey (1943-1986) was a New York sci-fi and fantasy editor and a woman with dwarfism who revolutionized the world of sci-fi editing with books from luminaries such as Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, and Philip K. Dick.

The Renegades (FREE)

Virtual Admission

Donation to {{name}}

Donate

Gift Cards

None available

Memberships

These are all the memberships tied to your account. Now, use our online schedule to reserve tickets. You can access your tickets via {{my_tickets_link|"My Tickets"}} or via the PDFs attached to each ticket order confirmation email. {{buy_membership_link|Looking to buy more memberships?}}

These are all the passes tied to your account. Now, use our online schedule to reserve tickets. You can access your tickets via {{my_tickets_link|"My Tickets"}} or via the PDFs attached to each ticket order confirmation email. {{buy_pass_link|Looking to buy more passes?}}

These are all your purchased tickets. Open this page on your phone, and at the door tap the "Show Barcode" button and show your screen to the attendant. Prefer paper? Print the PDF attached to the order confirmation email, or click one of the gears below and select "Download tickets PDF". If purchasing multiple tickets, be sure to print or show each unique ticket barcode.

Passes

Explore our on-demand catalog of films that were shown at our in-person festival in Savannah, as well as several new online-only selections.

Welcome to America's first major film festival for historical documentaries.  Join us on an exploration of our shared past from fresh perspectives!

Here's what's coming up soon. Can't make it? No sweat. Many live streams will be available for on-demand viewing as well.