Film reimagining the last day of Eric Garner’s life set to show in Flint

FLINT, Mich. — ‘Breathe,’ a film reimagining the last day of Eric Garner’s life will show at the Gloria Coles Flint Public Library at 6:30 p.m. on April 16, 2025.

The award-winning film takes viewers to July 17, 2014, when Garner, an unarmed Black man died after being placed in a chokehold by a New York City police officer. Garner’s death sparked protests and rallies, and his last words, “I can’t breathe”, became a rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement.

“BREATHE is coming home!!!” wrote Flint native, filmmaker, producer and actress Jamie Burton-Oare in an Instagram post. “This is super special to me because my Mama and I lived in the libraries! It was my fav things to do growing up.”

Since its debut, ‘Breathe’ which addresses the critical issue of over-policing in America has won several awards including the Independent Spirit Award in the Detroit Black Film Festival and the Best Midwest Short with the Gary International Black Film Festival. The film was also nominated for Best Short Film with the Pulling Focus Flim Festival and the Studio City International Film Festival.

A discussion with Burton-Oare will be held after the viewing.