When the patriarch of a rice plantation suddenly passes away, his relatives become embroiled in a bitter dispute over his estate. Diana, a lifelong house servant, and her daughter find themselves at the mercy of their new master, who struggles with honoring his father's dying wish that Diana be set free. Rather than conforming to the typical Hollywood portrayal of slavery filled with graphic violence and victimization, the film explores the often overlooked aspect of the "above-ground Underground Railroad." This secret network facilitated the release of enslaved individuals through ransom payments made by their families, primarily in the North. Drawing inspiration from the journey of Frederick Douglass to freedom, Hope of Escape showcases the strength and perseverance of both free and enslaved families who, despite being separated by time and distance, managed to maintain their bonds and hold onto the hope of a better tomorrow.
Hope of Escape
When a mother and daughter realize they are about to be sold into slavery and separated forever, they must find a way to escape.
