By Kathy Chouteau
The storied career of one of America’s longest-serving public officials will take center stage at the Contra Costa College Knox Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, Feb. 21.
Community members are invited to a free red-carpet premiere of Rebirth of a City: The Story of the Honorable Nathaniel Bates, a 90-minute documentary chronicling the life of a leader who retired in 2022 as the nation’s oldest elected official at age 91.
The event begins at 2 p.m. with a red-carpet reception where attendees can take photos with interviewees from the film. The screening starts promptly at 2:30 p.m., followed by a Q&A session with the cast and creators at 4 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.
Produced by Arif Khatib and directed by Steven Bernier, the film offers a deep dive into the evolution of Richmond, from 1942 to the present. Bates, who is now 94, served as Richmond’s mayor twice and spent over five decades on the City Council.
For producer Khatib, the project was born out of a 65-year friendship. “Nat called me… he [said] that he liked the way I write,” he recalled. “I told him, I’d rather do a film, because you’re still alive…we should do the film.” Bates decided to do the film and Khatib co-wrote the documentary with Bernier.
The documentary serves as a “masterclass in political influence,” featuring interviews with heavy-hitting politicians and associates who witnessed Bates’ role as an architect of Richmond’s revival. The film highlights high-stakes battles to revitalize downtown, the construction of the John Knox Freeway (I-580), and the economic vision that brought major retailers like Costco, Target and Home Depot to the city.
Beyond the brick-and-mortar achievements, Khatib discovered a new appreciation for the city’s natural beauty during production. “To see Richmond from a drone perspective taught me a lot about it,” he said. “It’s an incredible city… surrounded by pretty much 80 percent water. I saw it from a different perspective.”
Khatib, an educator and author, views the film as a vital tool for the next generation of leaders.
“The reason why I do these documentaries is to inspire younger people who may want to become a politician,” he said. “You must learn how to govern. You must ask yourself: Do you want to stay there long enough to make an impact on the community?”
With limited seating remaining, organizers urge interested residents to reserve their tickets immediately via the Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame (MESHOF).
“He’s done something that’s unique and extraordinary that no other politician has ever done,” Khatib said. “He has a legacy… and he’s still helping people,” he added, noting that emerging politicians should take advantage of Bates’ political wisdom.
Check out a teaser of the documentary here and reserve free tickets here. The Knox Center for the Performing Arts is located on the Campus of Contra Costa College, 2600 Mission Bell Dr. in San Pablo.