Documentary and Book Launches and Tours

Before the worldwide launch of “Across Enemy Lines: Shaka A. Shakur” on December 4, 2025, an early iteration of the documentary was screened in Oakland. A few months later as the worldwide release date drew nearer, an almost-finished version was screened in New York City. For the worldwide launch, people in several countries and numerous states in the U.S. watched it simultaneously via The People’s Forum Youtube page. The documentary continues drawing attention to Shaka’s case, the case of Political Prisoners in the u.s. in general, and the New Afrikan Independence Movement as the screenings continue worldwide. To organize a screening wherever you are, click here (and show your support for Shaka by signing the new declaration here).

Not even two weeks later, on December 15, 2025, Shaka A. Shakur’s first book, Manifestations of Thought: When the Dragon Comes (Selected Writings of Shaka A. Shakur), was released by 1804 Books. That same day, The People’s Forum hosted a book panel with several of Shaka’s comrades and members of the Shaka Shakur Freedom Campaign.

Meanwhile, Shaka was on lockdown at River North Correctional Facility in Virginia, a facility where she should never have been placed. He wasn’t able to read his own book until March 2026 and likely won’t see the documentary until we free him. As Shaka says, however, whatever the barrier or obstacle, the struggle moves straight ahead!

In that spirit, below are photographs some some of the events demonstrating just how widely Shaka’s case, message, and politics are being embraced.

While Shaka was on lockdown, more people in more countries were encountering his words than ever before.

Oakland, California: A Nearly-Finished Film Showing

On August 21, 2025, the Eastside Arts Alliance hosted a partial viewing of the nearly finished documentary as part of an impressive event organized by Community Liberation Programs, the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, and the Haiti Action Committee. The event also showcased art by Emory Douglas and the Freedom Archives.

New York City: Premiere at The People’s Forum

On Saturday, November 22, “Across Enemy Lines” premiered at The People’s Forum in New York City. The screening was followed by a panel featuring Akili Shakur, Haki Kweli Shakur, Vernon T. Bateman, Wednesday Jin, and others.

Worldwide Debuts

On December 5, “Across Enemy Lines: Shaka A. Shakur” launched worldwide with screenings taking place concurrently in dozens of cities worldwide, from Virginia and Indiana to Hanoi and Athens.

Richmond, Virginia

The documentary screening in Richmond, Virginia featured Haki Kweli Shakur and Maurice Robinson, who spoke about the need to build the New Afrikan Freedom Campaign. The photos below are from an event organized by the New Afrikan Freedom Campaign shortly thereafter.

Indianapolis and Muncie, Indiana

At the Indianapolis Liberation Center, the panel featured long-time organizer and documentarian, Gloria La Riva, who produced such films as “NATO Targets Yugoslavia.”