Alyssa Botelho, an award-winning filmmaker from Fairhaven, was looking for a new project when she came across the story of Polly Johnson, an Afro-Indigenous confectioner and business owner who served as a station master on the Underground Railroad in New Bedford. “I had never heard of Johnson,” Botelho said.” “But I was so impressed — she was a trailblazer — an afro-indigenous woman, an important figure on the underground railroad.”

Johnson is credited with saving countless lives on the Railroad — notably that of her much more famous contemporary, Frederick Douglass.

Botelho reached out to the New Bedford Historical Society, who she says have spent decades preserving Johnson’s story. With their assistance, she began her research in August of 2022, completed the script in July of 2023, and filmed locally over 5 days in November of that year.

Botelho’s work has earned multiple accolades, including "Best Director" and "Best Short Fiction" from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences - New England Undergraduate Student Chapter, often known as the Student Emmys.

Sweet Freedom, is a 28-minute historical drama, testament to the enduring power of resistance and the legacy of unsung heroes like Johnson, whose cakes, candies, and ice creams concealed her vital role in the fight for freedom.

This exclusive pre-release screening will be held on Saturday, February 8, at 2 p.m. at Saint Michael’s Church Parish House, 378 Hope Street.
Botelho will provide a brief introduction before the screening. The film is suitable for all audiences. While this event is free and open to the public, the Bristol Middle Passage Project would greatly appreciate donations to help fund its mission. For more information, visit bristolmiddlepassageportmarkerproject.org.