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Watch: Trailer for Emanuel, the Viola Davis and Steph Curry-Produced Documentary About the Charleston, SC, Church Massacre

They died in a place that was supposed to be a sanctuary. Suggested Reading What’s Black at Sundance 2026: Movies, Documentaries and More! Athletes Who Became More Successful Than Their Professional Athlete Fathers! The Most Exciting Tours From Black Artists in 2026! Video will return here when scrolled back into view Root 100 Nominee Nicholas…

They died in a place that was supposed to be a sanctuary.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
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On June 17, 2015, nine black worshippers at the historic Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, S.C., were murdered during Bible study by a white supremacist, Dylann Roof. Now, a new documentary tells the story of that tragic day through the eyes of the survivors and family members of the nine victims.

Executive produced by Steph Curry, Viola Davis and Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: SVU), Emanuel also explores the history of race relations in the city of Charleston. And though the film’s focus is on the tragic events of that horrific day, it also seeks to highlight the hope and perseverance of the survivors and loved ones of the victims.

At a special screening of the documentary at Howard University in January, Curry told the audience, “It’s so inspiring the way they handled it, they chose faith, they chose to support each other and the community around them. And that speaks volumes for humanity.”

Emanuel will be in theaters nationwide for a limited release on June 17 and June 19. 

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