Coming Summer 2026

Reverence: Reclaiming the Forgotten follows Connecticut genealogist and historian John Mills as he works to restore the stories of African Americans long left out of the nation’s historical narrative. Through public advocacy, community engagement, and original research, Mills brings renewed attention to individuals such as Prince Mortimer, Esther Jackson, Fortune, and the soldiers of the 29th Connecticut Colored Regiment—men whose lives and sacrifices have been largely forgotten.

From addressing local government to leading the creation of public memorials and murals, the film captures a modern effort to confront the past and honor those who endured enslavement yet helped shape the nation. Centered on the lineage of Primus Armes, the film connects generations of descendants to a broader American story, inviting audiences to reflect on the meaning of equality as the country approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.