Ramona Kelly produced two PBS documentaries: Last Best Hope: A Story of Escape, Evasion, and Remembrance, and When I Rise
Last Best Hope explores the moral courage of ordinary Belgian citizens, disenfranchised by Hitler’s brutal fascist regime, who came together in extraordinary ways to aid one downed American fighter pilot. Stunning and cathartic, Last Best Hope takes even the most jaded World War II film buff by surprise. The documentary aired nationwide on October 30, 2006, on primetime PBS.
King Albert II of Belgium bestowed on Kelly and her co-producers the Knight of the Order of the Crown and the royal title “Chevalier” for their work to preserve the history of the Belgian Resistance.
Last Best Hope: A True Story of Escape, Evasion, and Remembrance
Co-Executive Producer. Stream Free on YouTube.
Awards and Film Festivals
Chicago International Television Awards presented by the Chicago International Film Festival, Silver Hugo Award, Documentary: History/Biography, 2007
Mendocino International Film Festival, Audience Choice Award and Best Feature Documentary Award, 2007
Texas Independent Filmmakers Festival, 2006
Calgary International Film Festival, 2006
Jackson Hole Film Festival, 2006
Dallas Video Festival, 2006
Worldfest Houston International Film Festival, Gold Remi, 2006
A gifted black music student at the University of Texas is thrust into a civil-rights storm that changes her life forever. Barbara Smith Conrad is cast in an opera to co-star opposite a white male classmate, fueling a racist backlash from members of the Texas legislature. When Barbara is expelled from the cast, the incident escalates to national news, prompting unexpected support from pop superstar Harry Belafonte.
This small-town girl, whose voice and spirit stem from her roots in East Texas, emerges as an internationally celebrated mezzo-soprano and headlines on stages around the world. When I Rise is a testament to finding forgiveness within oneself. When I Rise originally aired on Independent Lens on February 8, 2011.
Awards and Film Festivals
Hugo Television Awards presented by the Chicago International Film Festival, Silver Hugo Award, Documentary: History/Biography, 2012
Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Social Justice Award, 2011
San Diego Black Film Festival, 2011
Starz Denver Film Festival, 2010
New Orleans Film Festival, 2010
New York City International Film Festival, 2010
Indianapolis International Film Festival, Audience Award and Black Expressions Award, 2010
Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, 2010
Dallas International Film Festival, 2010
South By Southwest Film Festival, 2010
International Documentary Awards, Nominee for Best Music Documentary, 2010