Chester Filmmaker Claims International Film Festival Honors

A Journey of Love, Conflict, and Identity

Chester native filmmaker Bilal Motley has made a significant impact on the international film scene with his documentary, “Farewell, America.” The film recently won two prestigious awards at the International Black Diversity Film Festival in Toronto, where it had its Canadian premiere. These accolades include Best Documentary by a Black Filmmaker and Best Documentary Feature International.

The 1-hour, 22-minute film follows the personal journey of the Motley family from 2008 through 2025, capturing their hopes, dreams, and emotional conflicts against the backdrop of national events like the 2024 presidential campaign. At its core is the family's consideration of whether to move to Canada or stay in the United States.

“I’ve been thinking about this since I was a teenager,” Motley said. “I always wanted to be elsewhere. I thought it would be Paris for years. After 2021, I was like, ‘Let’s go to Canada. Let’s check it out.’”

Prior to “Farewell, America,” Motley created several award-winning films, including “Trash & Burn,” “Midnight Oil,” and “Quarantine Kids.” His latest film, produced by his wife, Dr. Kristin Ball Motley, who is also Chester’s health commissioner, marks his first feature-length project.

As a filmmaker, Motley has always been immersed in documenting his family's life. He realized he had captured a compelling story when he saw the narrative unfold naturally.

“This is an interesting story … this African American family that everyone can see themselves in,” he said. The family traveled to Toronto six to eight times to explore their options.

In the film, Motley shares an honest perspective on the United States, acknowledging its flaws while expressing love for the country. He compares this to a parental relationship with a child, where a parent knows the child can do better.

A Story of Migration and Belonging

“Farewell, America” also highlights the process of relocation, drawing parallels to historical migrations such as those from Ellis Island, the Great Migration, and Caribbean migration. The International Black Diversity Film Festival, which hosts the annual event, aims to provide a platform for Black filmmakers and celebrate diversity through inclusion.

Motley expressed his hope that the film would make Canadians feel seen. “In the film, you see me interviewing Canadians over three to four years… They have some things they are working through as well.”

The film begins with joyful montages of Bilal and Kristin’s 2009 wedding in Paris. “You start with this joy,” Motley said, recalling the freedom experienced by Black artists like Nina Simone and Josephine Baker in Paris. “Then it goes to the Barack Obama presidency, this joy and then it switches.”

Navigating Emotional Struggles

Throughout the film, viewers witness the Motley family’s perspective on border crossings and their discussions about relocating. “You see us struggling with it,” Motley said. “Hold on, this is our country, too. This is my country. I’m from Chester. I have to protect the work that I’m doing.”

The film also touches on Motley’s past challenges, including the loss of his mother at age six and the family’s frequent relocations. “We moved all around the country 30 times,” he shared. His daughter, Bria, was adamant about not moving, citing her friends and a local pizza shop.

“I got hesitant. Kristin was like, ‘Let’s go.’ I got conflicted because of my daughter,” Motley said. He reflected on the difficulty of constantly rebuilding friendships.

A Conclusion Fueled by Love and Commitment

“Farewell, America” ends with the family working on Vice President Kamala Harris’ 2024 presidential campaign. Motley described the film as unique, emphasizing the importance of an African American family speaking openly about their experiences at home.

He believes some American film festivals may be hesitant to screen his documentary. However, he appreciates that Canadians felt seen enough through his art to recognize its value.

The decision to stay in the United States was influenced by deep connections to family, community roles, and the desire to continue making a positive impact. “It was fun,” Motley said. “It was a good way to work through our feelings and everything we were struggling with.”

A Rollercoaster of Emotions

Motley admitted he was initially nervous about how his family would be perceived in the film. “I got nervous,” he said, concerned about how his wife and daughter would be viewed for sharing their honest perspectives.

As an artist, it was important for him to share this view. “I’ve never seen a film depicting that, an African American family on their journey trying to move somewhere,” he said.

Considering a move to Toronto was an emotional rollercoaster. “It was exciting. Toronto specifically is a magical city. I love New York and Philadelphia (but) Toronto, it’s less crime, it’s really diverse, they have health care. But then the feelings got complicated when I connected with Canadians who are Black.”

Currently, Motley is taking a break from filmmaking but is working on post-production for a documentary about the Chester High School track team. He continues to speak at colleges and universities, including the University of California, Berkeley, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and as the 2025 Ted Turner Keynote Speaker at George Washington University’s Planet Forward Environmental Summit.

Although no screenings are currently planned, Motley encourages interested individuals to reach out through his website, bilalmotley.com.