New Film 'Unsinkable Freedom' Premieres at Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Museum

The 11-minute short film tells the story of Robert Smalls, an escaped slave who became a U.S. Congressman.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) in Springfield, Illinois is now showing a new 11-minute film titled 'Unsinkable Freedom' that portrays the story of Robert Smalls, an escaped slave who went on to become a U.S. Congressman after commandeering the boat he was working on and saving himself and 15 other slaves. The film, which premiered on February 27, 2026, will be shown every 15 minutes during the museum's open hours for the next three months.

Why it matters

The film shines a light on the little-known story of Robert Smalls, an escaped slave who achieved remarkable success and influence after gaining his freedom. By showcasing this inspiring story, the ALPLM is helping to educate visitors about an important but often overlooked figure in American history.

The details

The original idea for the film started as a 15-minute play with a one-man actor, but the museum's director of exhibits and shows, Lance Tawzer, connected with a former Hollywood filmmaker who had moved back to the area during the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, they decided to expand the project into an 11-minute animated short film using video game world generation software to create an affordable but high-quality production.

  • The film 'Unsinkable Freedom' premiered at the ALPLM on February 27, 2026.
  • The film will be shown every 15 minutes during the museum's open hours for the next three months.

The players

Lance Tawzer

The director of exhibits and shows for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

Robert Smalls

An escaped slave who commandeered a boat he was working on, saved himself and 15 other slaves, and went on to become a U.S. Congressman.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Museum (ALPLM)

A museum in Springfield, Illinois that is dedicated to preserving the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln.

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What they’re saying

“It was really the first time his story really came into our universe but once we'd learned about it, I thought 'Oh my gosh how come we don't know this story already?'”

— Lance Tawzer, Director of Exhibits and Shows, ALPLM (WTAX Morning Newswatch)

“The way the Movie came together, was that we came across this extremely talented person. He's from Petersburg but he was working in Hollywood and working on movies like Star Wars Clone Wars, Sonic the Hedgehog, He worked on the First Peter Jackson King Kong movie. So, he's got these legitimate Hollywood credentials, but he moved back to Petersburg during Covid. I literally ran into him, we crossed paths and he told me about some of the types of things that he does.”

— Lance Tawzer, Director of Exhibits and Shows, ALPLM (WTAX Morning Newswatch)

What’s next

The film 'Unsinkable Freedom' will continue to be shown every 15 minutes during the ALPLM's open hours for the next three months.

The takeaway

By showcasing the inspiring story of Robert Smalls, an escaped slave who achieved remarkable success and influence after gaining his freedom, the ALPLM is helping to educate visitors about an important but often overlooked figure in American history and bring greater awareness to his remarkable life and accomplishments.