Antonio Tarrell, a Mississippi-based filmmaker, has co-directed a new documentary titled “Cole: Bridge to Justice,” which examines the life and legacy of Donald Ray Cole. Cole is recognized for his role as an activist at the University of Mississippi, where he was arrested in 1970 during a peaceful protest but later returned to serve as a leader and mentor for underrepresented students.
The film will have its premiere at the Oxford Film Festival on February 26 at Malco Oxford Commons. A second screening is scheduled for March 3 at Fulton Chapel, accompanied by a panel discussion featuring Cole, Tarrell, and Castel Sweet, who is both director of the Center for Community Engagement and co-director of the film.
Tarrell explained that he first learned about Cole’s story when approached by Steven T. Case regarding the project. He said, “Having lived in Oxford for more than 20 years, I was surprised that I had never heard the story of the Ole Miss 8. So, that history immediately struck me.” He continued, “As I began to learn more, I was blown away by the depth of what had happened and how little it was publicly discussed.”
In developing the documentary, Tarrell worked with Castel V. Sweet as producer and co-director and brought on Jordan Wadley as sound operator. According to Tarrell, this established creative partnership was important for shaping the film’s vision.
On screening the film in Oxford, Tarrell said: “I think this is amazing for the city of Oxford and the state of Mississippi… To be granted the opening film says a lot about Don’s impact on the community and the university. He is loved by many.” He also reflected on his own journey: “As a native filmmaker from Bruce who graduated film school in 2017… this takes the cake.”
Tarrell hopes that current University of Mississippi students will learn about resilience through Cole’s story: “My hope is that ‘Cole: Bridge to Justice’ teaches current University of Mississippi students that resilience is not abstract; it is lived. No matter the obstacles placed in front of you, you keep moving forward. You pursue your dreams. You stand firm in your convictions.”
He added that Dr. Cole’s experiences demonstrate perseverance despite adversity: “Many people would have given up. He did not. Instead, he transformed adversity into momentum, ultimately returning to the very institution that once expelled him.”
During production on campus, Tarrell noted that many students were unfamiliar with Dr. Cole or details about past protests such as those led by Black Student Union members at Fulton Chapel where dozens were arrested in 1970.
He emphasized that these events are foundational to campus history: “That absence is significant… Understanding that history is not about dwelling on the past; it is about recognizing the cost of progress and honoring the resilience that made it possible.”
Reflecting on what it means to screen “Bridge to Justice” in Oxford itself—a site central to much of Cole’s story—Tarrell said: “To bring the story back to the community that lived it… carries real weight.” He added that being selected as opening film reflects Dr. Cole’s influence within both community and university settings.
Looking ahead to audience reactions after festival screenings, Tarrell stated: “When attendees leave the screening, I hope they leave not just moved, but activated… The real work begins after credits roll.” He expressed hope for further engagement with campus history through reading archival reports or visiting historical sites like Fulton Chapel or recently installed markers commemorating student activism.
Tarrell concluded with aspirations for visible institutional recognition within university spaces such as Martindale-Cole building—honoring figures like Larry Martindale and Dr. Donald Cole—as a step toward collaborative progress across racial lines at Ole Miss.
