Summer Film Series | A Tree Story & High Water

As part of our Summer Film Series in partnership with the AfroSouth Film Festival, the International African American Museum (IAAM) presents a special dual screening of A Tree Story and a preview screening of High Water — two powerful films that examine the ongoing fight to preserve land, culture, and memory in the Lowcountry.

A Tree Story is a poignant documentary chronicling the fight to protect ancestral land and the iconic Angel Oak on Johns Island from overdevelopment and rising seas. The film powerfully captures the deep-rooted resilience of a community that has long championed environmental justice and cultural preservation.

High Water is a newly produced narrative short that follows Peter as he cares for his mother in a rapidly changing Charleston, where climate change and gentrification threaten a historic Gullah Geechee community. With its vivid storytelling and contemporary lens, the film explores modern struggles to safeguard land and legacy, drawing a direct line between past and present preservation efforts.

After the screenings, join us for a panel discussion with featured filmmakers and local voices.

IAAM Members receive $5 off the purchase of their tickets. Sign into your account to automatically apply the discount.

Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

• 6:00 PM | Doors Open + Pre-Screening Refreshments
• 6:15PM | Opening Remarks
• 6:30 PM - 8:00PM | Film Screening
• 8:00PM | Brief Talk-Back

Location: International African American Museum | African Ancestors Memorial Garden

Parking Instructions: Metered parking is available on Concord Street. Paid parking is available at the SC Aquarium Parking Garage (24 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC 29401).