FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Art of Brotherly Love:
Forgotten Philadelphia History Returns Home for Valentine’s Day Premiere
A New Documentary Illuminates a Heroic Chapter of Local History Through Art, Storytelling, and Community
Presented in Partnership with Creative Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, PA — February 14, 2026 — A long-forgotten rescue of 135 enslaved Africans in Philadelphia has been brought back to life through the lens of contemporary art. The Art of Brotherly Love, a new documentary by artist and storyteller Rah Crawford, uncovers the extraordinary 1800 event known as the “Ganges Incident” and transforms it into a sweeping cultural revival.
Following its sold out world premiere in New York, the film returns to the city where the story began. The Philadelphia Premiere will take place on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, at the historic Ritz Five (214 Walnut St).
A Story of Resilience and Redemption
The documentary follows Crawford’s 15-year creative odyssey after discovering the USS Ganges’ heroic mission to intercept and free enslaved Africans brought illegally to American shores. What begins as historical research evolves into ‘Gangee – A Love Story’, Crawford’s screenplay reimagining the humanity buried within this true story. The project has since expanded into Project Gangee, a citywide cultural initiative blending art, history, and community engagement.
“The Art of Brotherly Love is more than a documentary—it’s a cultural revival,” says Crawford. “Bringing this film to Philadelphia on Valentine’s Day is a symbolic homecoming. It is a testament to how art can honor history, amplify descendant voices, and remind us of our city’s namesake: the City of Brotherly Love.”
Film Highlights
Historical Foundations: Features the research of renowned historians Michael Kearney, David Barnes, and Shamele Jordon, documenting both the rescued Africans and the local abolitionists who fought for their freedom.
Collaboration: Showcases Crawford’s creative producers—Sandra Blumberg-Beatty, Kelly Lee, and Robert Mack—who demonstrate how art and scholarship can breathe new life into forgotten history.
Living Legacies: Includes profound interviews with living descendants of the Ganges Africans, including Larry Ganges, Kelly Ganges, and Rosalind Ganges Brown, whose voices ground the film in lived memory.
Event Details
What: Philadelphia Premiere of The Art of Brotherly Love
Partners: Presented by Project Gangee and Creative Philadelphia
When: February 14th, 2026 (Valentine’s Day)
Time: Doors open 11:10 AM / Event starts promptly 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: Ritz Five, 214 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
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Impact Goals of The Art of Brotherly Love
Illuminate Hidden History: Reintroduce the Ganges Incident to public consciousness and affirm the dignity of those rescued.
Center the Role of the Artist: Highlight how creativity connects history and community.
Amplify Descendant Voices: Anchor the story in lived memory and intergenerational resilience.
Celebrate Collaboration: Show the power of artists, historians, and cultural institutions working together.
Inspire Civic Imagination: Spark dialogue on freedom, equality, and America’s unfinished work.
The Art of Brotherly Love is both a reflection on historical memory and a celebration of creative agency — showing how one artist’s vision, rooted in love and humanity, can reignite the spirit of abolition for a new generation.
FOR MORE INFO: ProjectGangee(at)Gmail
About Creative Philadelphia
Creative Philadelphia (formerly the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy) provides creative and economic opportunities for all Philadelphians to thrive through the arts. We advance public access to arts and culture, collaborate with local creative communities, and celebrate the city’s cultural assets, contributing to a safer, cleaner, and greener city. For more information, visit CreativePHL.org and follow @CreativePHL on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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