UNIVERSITY PLACEMENTS
REVIEWS
“Kevin Murphy has composed a moving visual elegy to Emmett Till and his fearless mother, Mamie Till-Mobley. That elegy flows across four parts, each of which builds with subtle but powerful currents, to reveal—for the very first time—where Emmett Till’s body was discovered and twice brought ashore, where it was likely slipped into the river, and why that matters. Seventy years removed from this touchstone Mississippi Delta lynching and injustice, The River breaks new ground on several foundational questions that have long puzzled locals, tourists, and scholars. Murphy’s research and his logic in assembling the puzzle pieces will inspire generations with its scope, acuity, depth, and yes, grace.”
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“As the FBI Case Agent responsible for the 2004 investigation into the kidnapping and murder of Emmett Till, I had the rare and sobering opportunity to examine the facts of this case with the benefit of modern investigative resources, as well as the voices of those still living with its legacy. I have reviewed Kevin Murphy's documentary addressing key sites tied to Till’s abduction and murder — including the recovery location, Fish Lake Landing, the Black Bayou bridge, and alternate drop sites along the Tallahatchie River.
This work stands out for its careful, respectful, and fact-based approach. Kevin's attention to geography, historical records, and forensic plausibility contributes meaningfully to the public's understanding of what happened in those fateful days of 1955. It reflects the type of independent research that can help preserve the historical truth while promoting a deeper dialogue around justice, memory, and accountability.
I endorse this documentary without reservation and commend it to educators, historians, and citizens seeking a clearer understanding of one of the most pivotal events in American civil rights history.”