What is IFC Films MLK/FBI?
IFC Films' MLK/FBI is a documentary film that explores the government's surveillance of Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement. The film delves into the FBI's investigation, where they used various tactics, including wiretapping and blackmail to monitor Dr. King's activities.
The documentary highlights the FBI's intense focus and scrutiny of Dr. King's personal life, including his extramarital affairs, with the intent of undermining his position as a leader in the civil rights movement. The film also examines the institutional racism that was pervasive within the FBI during the 1960s and sheds light on the government's efforts to suppress peaceful protests and activism by African Americans.
Through interviews with historians and experts on the FBI's surveillance and with surviving family members of Dr. King, the film reveals the shocking extent to which the government went to undermine one of America's most revered leaders. MLK/FBI also touches on the legacy of Dr. King, his impact on the civil rights movement, and his enduring significance in American history.
The documentary is a thought-provoking and informative account of an important period in U.S. history. It draws attention to the government's troubling abuse of power and its impact on society, as well as the ongoing struggle for civil rights and social justice.
Frequently Asked Questions about ifc films mlk/fbi
Under the guidance of FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover - and with the permission of Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy -- the FBI tapped King's home and office phones and those of his associates. FBI agents also bugged King's hotel rooms, recording the civil rights leader's extramarital activities.
Within months, however, the bureau expanded its surveillance of King, placing bugs and wiretaps in the hotel rooms he visited. The expansion reflected the FBI's new objective: collecting evidence of King's extramarital activities in order to sully his reputation and weaken him as leader of the civil rights movement.
King was identified as a target because the FBI believed that he could become a “messiah” who could unify black nationalists “should he abandon his supposed 'obedience' to 'white liberal doctrines' (nonviolence) and embrace black nationalism” (Senate Select Committee, 180).
Where to watch MLK/FBI. Watch MLK/FBI with a subscription on Hulu, rent on Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV, or buy on Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Apple TV.
During this time the FBI was playing a key role through its criminal and national security cases. It took the lead in investigating the high-profile assassinations of national leaders like President Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and Senator Robert Kennedy.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) enforces federal law, and investigates a variety of criminal activity including terrorism, cybercrime, white collar crimes, public corruption, civil rights violations, and other major crimes.
During this time the FBI was playing a key role through its criminal and national security cases. It took the lead in investigating the high-profile assassinations of national leaders like President Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and Senator Robert Kennedy.
The FBI stands for Federal Bureau of Investigation. “Federal” refers to the national government of the United States. “Bureau” is another word for department or division of government. “Investigation” is what we do - gathering facts and evidence to solve and prevent crimes.
MLK/FBI
“MLK/FBI” was released in 2020 and features recently declassified documents recovered through the Freedom of Information Act and unsealed by the National Archives. The film features interviews from former FBI director James Comey, author David J. Garrow and civil rights activist Andrew Young.
The film, centered on key events in the civil rights movement, features interviews with the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Andrew Young. Where to stream: “I Am MLK Jr.” is available to rent or purchase via Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, YouTube, Vudu and the iTunes Store.
J. Edgar Hoover
John Edgar Hoover (January 1, 1895 – May 2, 1972) was an American law-enforcement administrator who served as the final Director of the Bureau of Investigation (BOI) and the first Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The FBI viewed the Black Panther Party as an enemy of the U.S. government and sought to dismantle the party. To this end, its counterintelligence program (COINTELPRO) used agent provocateurs, sabotage, misinformation, and lethal force.
