Private Project

The Poppaw Queen

The Poppaw Queen is a historical documentary film, directed by Malachi E. Robinson, chronicling the story of Mary Queen and her descendants' historic fight for freedom. The documentary ecompasses dynamic interviews and vibrant spoken word performances, challenging viewers to recognize the deep-seated injustices of the past and inspire actions towards a just future.
Mary Queen (often named 'The Poppaw Queen') was born in South America and was illegally sold as an indentured servant in Maryland around 1715. In 1796, some of Mary Queen’s descendants petitioned for their freedom in the Courts of Maryland, District of Columbia, and the US Supreme Court on the claim that she was born a free woman. Many recovered their freedom, while others were unsuccessful and remained enslaved by the Jesuits. Other descendants were sold in the 1838 sale to finance Georgetown University in Washington, DC. Mary Queen kept her story alive through word of mouth alone. This documentary honors her memory and explores the suppressed history of slavery in Maryland.

  • Malachi Elijah Robinson
    Director
  • Rina Campbell
    Producer
  • Scheera Robinson
    Producer
  • Austin Brown
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 30 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    May 4, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    26,200 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Premiere at Bowie Center for the Performing Arts
    Bowie
    United States
    May 23, 2024
    Local Premiere
  • Montgomery County Juneteenth Festival Screening
    Germantown
    United States
    June 15, 2024
  • Prince George’s Film Festival
    Oxon Hill
    United States
    September 27, 2024
    Best Documentary / Official Selection
  • Ocean City Film Festival
    Ocean City
    United States
    March 7, 2025
    Official Selection
  • Gothamite Monthly Film Awards
    New York
    Best Feature Film
  • Alexandria Film Festival
    Alexandria, VA
    February 21, 2025
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Malachi Elijah Robinson

Malachi E. Robinson, a Washington, DC native, is a creative force whose mission is to inspire a revolution through film, music, wellness, and collaborative art. As the founder and Chief Creative Officer of point.black creative agency, Malachi has garnered national recognition for his bold and impactful storytelling. An award-winning filmmaker, music video director, writer, and creative director, he is known for pushing boundaries with his bold storytelling and unconventional visuals.

His recent documentary, The Poppaw Queen, won 'Best Documentary' at the 2024 Prince George's Film Festival, solidifying his position as a leading voice in documentary filmmaking. His short film, BLACK X, debuted as an interactive exhibit to over 600 attendees at the iconic Dupont Underground in Washington, DC, and was later selected for screening at the 2022 Heritage Film Festival. With every project, Malachi strives to elevate narratives that are authentic, powerful, and impactful, leaving audiences inspired and transformed.

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