'Amazing Grace' film at Sanbornton Town Library on June 5 (230)

SANBORNTON — "Amazing Grace", a 2007 film which highlights how England ended slavery, will be shown on the second floor of the Sanbornton Town Library on Wednesday, June 5 starting at 6:30 p.m.

It is the fifth film in a series sponsored by the Sanbornton Congregational Church – UCC in partnership with the library.

A discussion, led by Rev. Ruth Martz, will follow the film.

"Amazing Grace" recounts a period in British history sure to be unfamiliar to most Americans. In fact, this eye-opening

biography of 18th century abolitionist William Wilberforce is likely to come as a revelation to many Britons, as well. The title comes from John Newton's hymn "Amazing Grace." Newton was a former slaveholder, who became a clergyman and spent his days repenting.

While America had John Brown, England had Wilberforce; and Newton is one of many who helped to abolish slavery in the UK. The story begins towards the end of Wilberforce's mission when he's sick with colitis and addicted to laudanum. The film continues to alternate between 1797 and 1789, when Wilberforce was fitter and more idealistic, and ends in 1807 as his efforts come to fruition. Unlike Amistad, however, slaves are largely off-screen, with the exception of author Equiano.

Amazing Grace reserves its focus for the politicians who risked their reputations for the greater good, like Wilberforce and

Prime Minister Pitt, and those more concerned with the income slavery provided their constituents.