Uncovering the untold story
Historical Documentary | 35 Minutes
In Search of Phillis Wheatley Peters is a documentary driven by new research that uncovers a largely unknown chapter in the life of Phillis Wheatley Peters — America’s first Black published poet — revealing the remarkable love story between Phillis and John Peters, the free Black man she married in 1778.
Grounded in the groundbreaking archival work of Cornelia Dayton, the film brings newly unearthed documents to light, offering fresh insight into the couple’s fight for autonomy, dignity, and survival in Revolutionary-era Boston. Through the voices of leading scholars and poets — including Vincent Carretta, Nicole Aljoe, Manisha Sinha, Kabria Baumgartner, and Joanne Gabbin — the film reimagines Phillis not only as a literary icon, but as a woman who chose love, partnership, and resistance against extraordinary odds.
Upcoming Screenings
Fall 2026
More In-Person & Remote Screening
Scheduled for the US & UK
Updates Coming Soon
Partners
Book a Screening
Screening License Only
Host a public screening of In Search of Phillis Wheatley Peters designed for campus and community audiences.
Includes a link to the film & ready-to-use promotional kit with images, trailer, discussion prompts, and marketing copy to support outreach across departments and partner organizations
Screening + Remote Q&A
Share the untold story of Phillis Wheatley Peters’ marriage, freedom, and legacy with your community.
In-Person Screening + Q&A
An immersive screening experience followed by an in-person dialogue with the Director, Leslie Askew.
Ideal for history, literature, African American studies, theology, and American studies programs seeking deeper exploration and cross-disciplinary engagement.
Pair the screening with a live virtual conversation with the Director, Leslie Askew.
This facilitated discussion connects the film’s themes—freedom, authorship, faith, and early American identity—to contemporary scholarship and student engagement.
In-Person Screening+ Class Visit
A comprehensive campus residency including a public screening, extended Q&A, and small-group classroom sessions with the the Director, Leslie Askew.
Designed to foster sustained dialogue, curricular integration, and meaningful engagement with students, faculty, and the broader academic community.
