Reviews and Festivals
"The film works as an invaluable reminder of that pivotal time for those who were there— and a history lesson for those who weren't."
— Richard Roeper, Chicago-Sun Times
"Punch 9 is about as complete of a recounting of this significant chapter of Chicago history as one could hope to see, and one that you don't have to be a political junkie to appreciate."
— Peter Sobczynski, RogerEbert.com
"A feat of archival editing and local history, [Punch 9 for Harold Washington] is a gripping underdog story of a charismatic firebrand and a sobering look at the triumphs and tragedies of the multicultural coalition who fought for democratic change alongside him."
— Eric Marsh, DePaul University
"Punch 9 artfully puts viewers on the ground during one of the most
consequential elections in modern American history, vividly documenting
both the political charisma of Harold Washington and the hard-nosed
organizing necessary to make him the first Black mayor of Chicago in
1983."
— Gordon Mantlet, Author of The Multiracial Promise: Harold Washington’s Chicago and the Democratic Struggle in Reagan’s America
"A 1980s blueprint for how to be a leader."
— Bloomberg
"Emotionally affecting documentary about a vital subject... It'll either introduce [the rest of the world] to an unmissable bolt of political lightning or remind them of when the city wasn't a dog whistle, but a beacon"
— Paste Magazine
"A masterful quilt of storytelling, historic videos and photos and the bright voices of that era"
— Laura Washington, Chicago-Sun Times
"A stirring tribute to Chicago's first African American mayor... Winston shows how Washington's multiethnic administration paved the way for countless Black politicians, locally and nationally."
— Brad Schreiber, Screenwriter / Journalist / Playwright / Author of Revolution's End and Becoming Jimi Hendrix
"Includes broader lessons about pluralism and public participation in diverse and often divided communities. Winston's pacing, tone, and level of analysis strikes a good balance that would make Punch 9 welcome viewing for a class in race, urban politics, and history."
— Ezra Haber Glenn, AICP, Planning Magazine
"Offers an insightful examination of the difficulties faced by an outsider politician battling a political machine... Punch 9 for Harold Washington would be superb supplemental material for groups learning about how African American politicians and their constituents had (and continue to) work extra hard to overcome the entrenched racism in our governmental systems. Highly Recommended."
— Educational Media Reviews Online
"An epic story of American politics, race, and triumph against all odds... While Punch 9 is a thrilling story with unforgettable characters, it's also a playbook for how to restore our American Democracy."
— KPFK Film Club
"By showing us history in vivid detail, Punch 9 inhabits the spirit of a time whose promise still haunts us."
— Hyde Park Herald
"A magnificent portrait of a hero for our time. While the things he fought against are still with us, the film reminds us that if we can follow in Washington's footsteps we can begin to move the line in the right direction and make the world a better place for everyone."
— Unseen Films
"A remarkable story filled with twists and turns and insights into the kind of institutional racism that is still in the headlines to this day"
— Vocal Media
"Can inspire audiences to want to get up from their seats and go out to fight... Meticulously selected archival footage, vivid cinematography and superb production values throughout this bravura story telling... Audiences can expect to be swept up in a time portal of past, present and anticipation of that yet to come."
— The Word
WINNER
Martha's Vineyard Africa-American Film Festival, Best Documentary
Chicago International Film Festival, Audience Award, Best Documentary
Library of Congress Lavine / Ken Burns Prize
OFFICIAL SELECTION
DOC NYC
Chicago International Film Festival
Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival