An Unlikely Friendship is a film about the surprising friendship that emerged between an embittered Ku Klux Klan leader and an outspoken black female activist. Told in their own words, this compelling story is as sincere and down-home as the protagonists.

In the early 1970s, when Durham, North Carolina, was experiencing acrimonious racial tensions, Ann Atwater, a poor welfare mother, and CP Ellis, the Exalted Grand Cyclops of the Durham Ku Klux Klan, were on opposite sides of the public school integration debate. They were appointed to co-chair a committee to resolve problems arising from a court-ordered school desegregation. Initially, their relationship was fraught with distrust and hatred, but as they worked together, they formed a deep and loving friendship that shocked Durham's residents. On the final night of the ten-day community meeting, in front of 1,000 people, including fellow Klansmen, Ellis tore up his Klan card.

The change came with a heavy price: Ellis became an outcast among his former friends who still retain their resentment. But the protagonists' stories are comic and poignant, and their ability to find common ground and overcome their hatred provides a helpful and hopeful model for us all.

"Viewers will be enthralled by this riveting film on the remarkable relationship of an outspoken black woman activist and an embittered klansman. The story of the altogether unexpected emergence of an alliance and a friendship between these two antagonists is moving, comic, and inspiring."
‒William E. Leuchtenburg, The William Rand Kenan Professor of History, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

"About 25 years ago, I met the two heroes of this film—CP Ellis and Ann Atwater. Their story is one of redemption. I think it's the most important documentary I've seen, and may be the most hopeful film in years."
‒Studs Terkel

"Highly recommended."
‒Booklist

National Women's Studies Association, 2003
The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival, 2002
Vermont International Film Festival, 2002
Vancouver Island Independent Film, Video and New Media Festival, 2002
Marco Island Film Festival, 2002
Hot Springs International Film Festival, 2002 (including a special panel discussion on Tolerance)
Platinum Award, Houston WorldFest International Film Festival, 2002