Elements of the film's background are loosely based on the narrative of Mae Louise Walls Miller, who escaped from slavery in 1963.
Nearly five years after the Waterford meeting, however, Mae Louise Walls Miller of Mississippi told Harrell that she didn't get her freedom until 1963. Miller told her about how she and her mother were raped and beaten when they went to the main house to work.
Since that time, Harrell has continued her research and documenting their story.
Over time, she said the "modern day slaves" did leave Waterford Plantation as their offspring were able to attend college or buy a home. While many of their parents, by then in their 70s and in poor health, knew they were free but still stayed where they were or went to another plantation. But she added they encouraged their children "to move ahead and take their liberties or freedom."
