Free Screening at History Colorado Museum, Award-Winning Documentary “Gabriel’s Daughter, The Life and Legacy of Clara Brown”

History Colorado Museum will host a special screening of the award-winning documentary Gabriel’s Daughter, The Life and Legacy of Clara Brown on November 15, 2024, at 6:00 PM. This powerful film tells the remarkable story of Clara Brown, an African American pioneer whose resilience and compassion left an indelible mark on Colorado history. The documentary reflects on the poignant exploration of her life as a freed slave searching for her daughter, as depicted in the opera, “Gabriel’s Daughter,” which was performed in 2003 to sold out audiences at the historic Central City Opera House.

Clara Brown, born into slavery, was a laundress who traveled with a wagon train from Kentucky to the Colorado Gold Rush, where she became a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. The documentary, Co-produced by Lori Brown Mirabal and Sharon Shepard Levine (Director), highlights Clara’s journey, her quest to reunite with her long-lost daughter, and her legacy as a community builder and advocate for African Americans in the West.

Through scenes of the opera, rare archival footage, and interviews, Gabriel’s Daughter brings to life Clara’s extraordinary resilience, her deep faith, and her contributions to Colorado’s history. The film has garnered numerous accolades, including the 2024 Winner-Feature Doc Film at the Moondance International Film Festival and 2023 Best Documentary Feature at The Artists Forum Festival of the Moving Image.

Following the screening, there will be a discussion featuring prominent historians along with Lori and Sharon, offering further insights into her enduring impact on Colorado and beyond.

“Gabriel’s Daughter, The Life and Legacy of Clara Brown” is a historic documentary that tells the story of real-life African American pioneer, Clara Brown, through the lens of a world-premiere American opera, entitled “Gabriel’s Daughter.” Newly freed from enslavement, Clara walked along-side a wagon-train as a laundress and cook from Kentucky to the gold mines of Colorado. Settling in Central City, she became a successful entrepreneur, helped to populate the African American community, established, and funded several churches, which still exist today. Poignantly, Clara was seeking a treasure much more valuable than gold, she longed to find her only surviving daughter Eliza Jane, sold away from her at an auction. An award-winning ensemble helps recount Clara’s journey, as the film travels from a New Jersey recording studio, with opera highlight performances, to historic Colorado locations.

Film is distributed by Starfury Productions. Learn more at gabrielsdaughterdocumentary.com.

About Lori Brown Mirabal
Lori Brown Mirabal is an award-winning performer, producer, entrepreneur and writer known for her exceptional storytelling and dedication to sharing powerful narratives with audiences around the world. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for authenticity, she brings stories to life in a way that resonates deeply with viewers.

About Sharon Shepard Levine
Sharon Shepard Levine is a seasoned producer, director, editor with a wealth of experience in the entertainment industry. Her keen eye for detail and unparalleled creativity have earned her recognition and acclaim throughout her career. Sharon is committed to bringing important stories to the screen and making a positive impact through her work.