Janelle Monae, Taraji P. Henson and Octavia Spencer in Hidden Figures
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Hidden Figures: Janelle Monae, Taraji P. Henson and Octavia Spencer

6 Historical Films You Didn't Know Were Made in Georgia

Georgia has become known for its filming locations, but it seems appropriate that so many historical films and television shows would be set or filmed in the region. After all, many of the events that inspired them took place or have connections to the state. The historic buildings and dramatic oak trees only add to the storytelling. Here are six productions based on historic events that you might not know were filmed in Georgia.

Hidden Figures

Recipient of the 2017 Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture and nominated for three Academy Awards, “Hidden Figures” is based on the true story of a team of African-American women who provide NASA with essential mathematical data needed to launch the program's first space missions. Set in Virginia in the early 1960s and starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae, the movie filmed in Georgia in spring 2016. Film locations included Morehouse College in Atlanta, South Broad Street in downtown Monroe, and Canton.

42

 

Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson in 42. Photo credit: Warner Bros.
Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson in 42. Photo credit: Warner Bros.

 

Based on the life of Jackie Robinson, a native of Cairo, Georgia, "42" describes his trials and tribulations in going from a small town baseball player to breaking the color barrier in the major leagues with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He faced resistance from fans, managers and even his own teammates. It was filmed at Macon's iconic Luther Williams Field, the country's second oldest minor league stadium, where other baseball greats like Pete Rose, Chipper Jones and Vince Coleman played.

Underground (TV series)

 

Jurnee Smollett-Bell and Aldis Hodge star in Underground
Jurnee Smollett-Bell and Aldis Hodge star in Underground

 

The hit TV series "Underground," which airs on WGN America, relocated to Savannah for the filming of its second season. As the name implies, it tells the story of the Underground Railroad and escaped slaves Rosalee and Noah. Produced by musician John Legend, the most recent season was filmed around Chippewa Square and greater Savannah. Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Aldis Hodge and Christopher Meloni star in the show.

Selma

 

David Oyelowo in Selma
David Oyelowo in Selma

 

Produced by Oprah Winfrey, the award-winning historical drama is set around the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery for voting rights. Atlanta native Martin Luther King Jr. is the central character, along with civil rights leaders Andrew Young, Hosea Williams, John Lewis and Ralph Abernathy. In addition to its scenes filmed in Alabama, "Selma" was filmed throughout Georgia, including the Marietta Square, the Rockdale County Courthouse in Conyers, the Georgia Capitol in Atlanta, as well as Newton County, Acworth and Covington.

Glory

 

Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman in Glory
Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman in Glory

 

Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman and Cary Elwes star in "Glory," the Oscar-winning true story of the first all-black volunteer company in the Civil War. Led by Colonel Shaw, the men are forced to band together for their cause. Notable scenes took place at the Mercer Williams House in Savannah and Jekyll Island, as well as in McDonough.

The Birth of a Nation

 

Nate Parker wrote, directed and stars in The Birth of a Nation
Nate Parker wrote, directed and stars in The Birth of a Nation

 

A literate slave and preacher named Nat Turner becomes a surprising figure to lead an uprising in his community. It would seal his place in history. "The Birth of a Nation" — which stars Nate Parker, Armie Hammer, Penelope Ann Miller and Gabrielle Union — was filmed primarily in Savannah. Scenes took place on the Lincoln Street ramp to River Street as well as in nearby Richmond Hill.

Written by: Caroline Eubanks
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