The Bermuda International Film Festival has very quickly developed a reputation for offering a wide range of unusual films from around the world that are both thought provoking and put audiences in touch with all their emotions.

This year, BIFF has gone a step further and has given its audiences an extra pleasure; the chance to see Errol Williams’ documentary of the 1959 Theatre boycott that led to the dismantling of segregation in Bermuda.

That there has been interest in this project is undeniable. All showings have been sold out and there is no question that if the documentary is given an extended run in one of the Island’s theatres after the Festival, and it should be, those showings will be sold out as well.

That indicates two things. One is that Mr. Williams’ work is of the highest calibre, and can hold its place among the other well made films that BIFF always brings in.

The second is that the story of the Progressive Group and its boycott is an inspiring and compelling story that every Bermudian should know by heart.

The secret organisers of the boycott did what was hitherto thought impossible when they ended segregation in the theatres. That in turn led to the collapse of racial segregation in all public places and not before time.

That this was done peacefully and relatively quickly speaks volumes for the sense and sensitivity of those involved. It would have been easy to rationalise the use of violence in the circumstances.

Instead, like Dr. Martin Luther King, the boycotters opted to use non-violent means and they proved once again that peaceful protests against manifest injustices can and will succeed.

The story of the Progressive Group is also intriguing because the group met in secret and many kept their identities secret until just three years ago. It may be that the names were kept secret out of fear to start with. But it may also be that these brave people were also modest, as Glenn Fubler notes in a letter on this page. Righting a wrong was enough for them.

Courage and modesty are two characteristics that are almost always in short supply. If there were more people like the members of the Progressive Group — who identified a wrong and did something about it without demanding credit and rewards — and like Errol Williams, who has brought their story to film, Bermuda would be a better place.