Published on March 25, 2026
Organized the direction of historian and journalist Daniel Arasa, a specialized cycle titled “Fighters for Justice, Freedom, and Human Dignity” was launched yesterday. This year marks the third edition of this event.
As part of the initiative, which provides elective credits through the University of Barcelona, the opening session featured a screening of the film *Amazing Grace*. This historical film, co-produced the United States, commemorated the 200th anniversary of the law that prohibited the slave trade in the United Kingdom and its colonial empire in 2007. Renowned for its expertise in historical cinema, the British film industry tasked director Michael Apted, known for works such as *Enigma* and *Gorillas in the Mist*, with producing this significant film. The script, penned Steven Knight, not only focuses on a biopic but also vividly depicts the sociopolitical context of the era, set against the backdrop of the French Revolution and the subsequent Napoleonic Empire, following the independence of the United States.
At its core, the film tells the emotional story of parliamentary figure William Wilberforce (1759-1833) and his relentless struggle to abolish slavery in the British Empire. A graduate of Cambridge and a close associate of the young Prime Minister William Pitt, Wilberforce was a deeply religious man who contemplated dedicating his life as an evangelical Christian. Before taking up the clerical path, he decided to pursue another vocation, believing that God wanted him to contribute to the world through political action aimed at making it a better place, albeit through peaceful means.
The narrative presented in the film carries significant relevance today, given that only 200 years ago slavery was an accepted norm endorsed government, forming the economic backbone of Southern plantations in the United States—a factor that would ultimately influence the American Civil War (1861-1865). Furthermore, only half a century ago, racial discrimination was socially and politically accepted in the U.S., and remarkably, the country has since witnessed the election of its first African American president.
The story of Wilberforce and his contemporaries serves as a testament to the power of a determined group of individuals to galvanize public opinion and eradicate a social ill that was widely accepted in their time—parallels can be drawn to current issues such as human trafficking for prostitution, organ trade, abortion, and the pervasive corruption that still plagues society today.
*Amazingly Grace* is a dramatic and intense film that is heartwarming without being sentimental; it avoids the pitfalls of hagiography protagonist as a relatable individual—one who is in love with his beautiful wife and possesses a commitment to public service, making him a role model for today’s politicians.
Michael Apted’s cinematic realization presents a splendid exploration of mentalities, buoyed authentic performances rich in ethical nuances. The character of William Wilberforce is compellingly embodied Gruffudd, known for his roles in the early *Fantastic Four* films and the Oscar-winning *Titanic*. The film’s set pieces, especially the vibrant port and parliamentary sequences, complemented costumes, enhance its aesthetic appeal.
This artistic work is anchored hymn *Amazing Grace*, composed , a former slave trader turned clergyman, portrayed in the film Albert Finney. The hymn offers a spiritual force capable of transforming hearts, signifying the importance of honor and perseverance in the face of political and human rights obstacles, ultimately leading to triumph in the fight for justice and freedom—an outcome realized after enduring 18 debates in Parliament, propelled faith.
Thus, *Amazing Grace* serves as an outstanding film to kick off this new cycle, which will continue with screenings of *Hotel Rwanda* (October 6), *Selma* (October 13), *Sophie Scholl* (October 20), and *A Man for All Seasons* (October 27). All sessions will take place in the auditorium of the Col·legi Major Universitari Bonaigua (c/ Jiménez Iglesias, 1 – Barcelona) on Fridays at 7:30 PM. Admission is free.