Filmmaker says Smithsonian declined public screening dates for documentary at NMAAHC, offered $35,000 private rental

Filmmaker Eli Steele says the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture declined his proposed public screening dates for his documentary “White Guilt” and instead offered a private rental option with a quoted cost of $35,000, according to Fox News Digital.

Fox News Digital reported that Steele reached out to the museum in late August, was directed to submit an event application the same day, and submitted a completed application in early September with two possible screening dates. About two weeks later, the museum informed Steele that neither date was available, and after Steele’s team asked about alternatives the museum offered the paid private screening option, per correspondence reviewed by Fox News Digital.

The documentary, directed and co-produced by Eli Steele and based on a book by Shelby Steele, questions prevailing progressive views on race and identity, the report said. Steele is identified in the reporting as Black, Jewish and deaf.

Fox News Digital noted that the museum has previously sponsored public screenings of films including “13th,” “Hidden Figures” (2016), “I Am Not Your Negro” (2017) and “Faith in Blackness: An Exploration of AfroLatine Spirituality” (2023). Steele and some commentators quoted by Fox News Digital questioned whether the museum’s handling of his request reflected limits on viewpoint diversity.

The article also placed the dispute in the context of public criticism from President Donald Trump and the administration alleging ideological bias at the Smithsonian and threatening restrictions to federal support, as reported by Fox News Digital.

Fox News Digital reported that the museum did not respond to its request for comment, and that Steele said his team has not received an answer about alternative public screening dates.

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