Faith Fuller’s Koinonia film “Briars in the Cotton Patch” now available for free streaming
The Fuller Center for Housing’s ministry and Georgia’s historic Koinonia Farm will forever be inextricably linked. This intentional Christian community of blacks and whites living together in peace and harmony is where Fuller Center founders Millard and Linda Fuller would learn from theologian Clarence Jordan the principles of partnership behind their housing ministry.
“Briars in the Cotton Patch” is a groundbreaking 2003 documentary by filmmaker Faith Fuller that shines a spotlight on the farm’s spiritual, peace-loving mission and the hatred and hardships they endured as neighbors, the KKK and segregationists vehemently — and sometimes violently — expressed opposition to Koinonia’s vision of peace, love and racial equality. It is particularly relevant viewing in light of recent strife in America.
“There was Koinonia with kind of a beacon light for people who believe in racial equality,” former President Jimmy Carter says in the film.
“He was challenging conventional wisdom,” Millard Fuller recalls of Clarence Jordan, his spiritual mentor, in the documentary. “The thing that pricked people the most here in Southwest Georgia was the consistent way that Koinonia kept saying that black folks were as good as white folks. So, I think Koinonia did serve as a ‘briar’ or as an irritant in society.”
Narrated by former Atlanta Mayor and U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young, the documentary features rare footage and audio recordings of Jordan, who died in 1969. It also explains how the Fullers infused the farm with new energy when they arrived in the 1960s and how they worked with Jordan to develop the principles of their affordable housing movement — principles that remain the backbone of The Fuller Center for Housing today.
The complete hour-long documentary is now available for free streaming at Redeem TV, a faith-based media service where users can register to watch for free. It also is available at Amazon for streaming (free for Prime members) and DVD purchase.
“Briars in the Cotton Patch” trailer:
RELATED LINKS:
History of the affordable housing movement and The Fuller Center
President David Snell statement: A unifying force in times of division
2 Comments
When we released this documentary back in 2003, it was with the idea that we were covering a bygone era. It is truly shocking to see history repeating itself now in 2020, and the obvious systemic racism that continues to run through the veins of this country. This documentary is more relevant than ever and I’m so pleased to have the film offered for free to give anyone who wants to a chance to see it. Thanks for sharing!
Dear Faith,
I believe that we may share some history and presence with Koinonia.
My professor dad, Cal Redekop, took us down to visit with Clarence (I think the summer of 68 or possibly 69 before Clarence passed) for interviews. I have the tapes, interesting stuff.
Since then, our family has been able to fund nonprofit activity, including Koinonia:
https://justpaxfund.org/projects/2020projects/
I just wanted to reach out and connect with you and respond to your documentary that memorializes this brave and amazing project!
Best regards,
Fred Redekop
fredekop1@gmail.com