Not My Soul: In Search of Phillis Wheatley Peters (2026)

This screening is part of a series of films presented for the exhibition Not My Soul by the Allard Pierson Museum and the National Slavery Museum.

Introduction by: Alana Helberg Proctor

This documentary explores the life and legacy of Phillis Wheatley Peters. Abducted as a child and enslaved, she went on to become an influential poet in revolutionary America. The documentary links her story to contemporary issues of racism, identity and recognition, and shows how her work and life continue to resonate today.

Dr Alana Helberg-Proctor is a lecturer in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Amsterdam. Her work focuses on diversity and inequality in healthcare, medical science and policy, and the legacy of slavery in health and well-being. Alana is part of the KMK consortium conducting research into the colonial history of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, and in April 2026, an international consortium led by Alana was awarded a €3.3 million grant from the NWA to investigate the legacy of the Dutch colonial history of slavery.

Following the screening, an online post-film discussion will take place with Leslie Askew, director of In Search of Phillis Wheatley Peters.

• Language: English
• Duration: 75 mins.
• Director: Leslie Askew
• Year: 2026
• Country: United States