‘Freadom Reads’ at Gardner-Webb’s Dover Library Explores Film Censorship

Movie Critics and GWU Alumni, Noel T. Manning II and Thomas Manning, Discuss Boycotts, Bans and Barricades

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—At the next “Freadom Reads,” program, film critics and Gardner-Webb alumni, Noel T. Manning II and his son, Thomas Manning, invite the audience to “Dive into the Captivating World of Film: Boycotts, Bans, & Barricades.” Their discussion will be presented on Feb. 4 from 3 to 4 p.m. The event will be held on the third floor of the University’s Dover Library, 110 Huggins St., on the GWU campus.

“Freadom Reads” began as a regular series sponsored by the library to discuss banned books. It has expanded to include banned materials from the arts and entertainment communities. The purpose is to offer a space where students can engage with the ideas in a text, music or film with guidance from other students and professionals. 

Noel explained that their talk will uncover the challenges faced by iconic filmmakers whose work sparked controversy and conversation. “From Martin Scorsese’s fearless storytelling to indie pioneer Earl Owensby’s defiance of Hollywood’s studio system, and Charlie Chaplin’s boundary-pushing visions, this lecture explores how politics, culture, religion, and societal pressures have shaped cinema’s most daring creators,” he noted. “Celebrate the resilience and creativity of those who redefined the art of filmmaking against all odds.”

Noel and Thomas want to challenge those in attendance to think beyond the surface level when considering why certain films or filmmakers are singled out as targets. “I’m hoping that this dialogue on cinema will encourage deeper reflection and critical thinking,” Noel shared. “I hope our audience will ask themselves questions like: ‘Do I self-censor films or filmmakers?’ and ‘If I were in charge of regulating films or filmmakers, what would that look like?’”

Thomas added, “The advent of social media has permanently altered our society’s collective ability to process information, and we’ve definitely seen that impact our relationship with art and media. Media literacy, or lack thereof, is a major issue in our current culture, and I think it’s crucial that we are intentional about the way we interact with art. We need to open ourselves up to the possibilities of art and not shut down that part of our humanity that’s deeply ingrained in our DNA.”

Noel, who also serves as associate vice president for Communications and Marketing at Gardner-Webb, has been fascinated with movies and film since he was a child. His love for the art and science of cinema developed from the early influences of his mother, who worked as a radio station and took him to the movies, and his father, who was a musician and writer. His father even had a script that was considered for the original Twilight Zone TV series. Later in classes at Gardner-Webb, Noel’s passion for filmmaking deepened. He had the opportunity to take several film courses and wrote movie reviews for the school newspaper. He also worked on the Oscar-winning film “The Last of the Mohicans,” which provided invaluable hands-on experience in the industry. During that time, he also began reviewing films and interviewing filmmakers for TV, later expanding that work to radio audiences.

At Gardner-Webb, Thomas was a double major in communication studies and English. He currently serves as the marketing director for the Cleveland County Arts Council and as Real to Reel Film Festival director. He received his inspiration from his father, and he was influenced by GWU college professors, Dr. Jennifer Buckner, Dr. Chris Davis, Instructor Jeff Powell, and former professors, Dr. June Hobbs (professor emerita of English) and Dr. Arielle McKee. He was also influenced by a course at GWU that explored the careers of award-winning filmmakers. Thomas also mentioned another individual who has provided invaluable guidance to him. “Douglas Davidson, the founder and manager of the publication ‘Elements of Madness’ (elementsofmadness.com) provided a space for me to hone my writing as a young film critic, and then encouraged me to further explore the experience of interviewing filmmakers and various artists from film productions,” Thomas related. “I will forever be indebted to Douglas for the opportunities and doors he has opened for me.”

Thomas also has experience making a documentary. He and GWU alumni Christian Jessup (director, editor, and composer), Eli Hardin (co-writer), and Brendan Boylan (associate producer) created “The Dancin’ Bulldogs: A 16 Seed’s Journey to the NCAA Tournament.” The film follows the story of 2019 GWU men’s basketball team that made it to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in the program’s history. It was well-received by the GWU community and won awards at three film festivals. More details on the film are available here. And, the documentary can be found here.

Noel and Thomas both serve as voting members for several film critics groups including the Critics Choice Association which will broadcast the 2024 award winners live on Feb. 7 on the E! network and streamed on Peacock.

University Communications intern Chloe Cloutier, a senior communication studies major, contributed to this story.     

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.