The Austin Human Rights Commission will use a historical film to spur discussions next week.

The commission will host a movie and discussion event featuring “Selma” on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 18, at 6:30 p.m. at The Historic Paramount Theatre.

“Selma” is a 2014 historical drama film highlighting the Civil Rights Movement including the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church, struggles with registering to vote, Malcolm X, the Selma to Montgomery march and the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Richard Lemons, chair of the Human Rights Commission, said the film fits into the HRC’s mission statement, which is “to cultivate and adjust an inclusive community where diversity is valued and human rights are respected.” They host events that educate, facilitate, communicate and advocate for inclusion and diversity.

“There’s an element of education,” Lemons said. “We’re sharing the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr.”

Minnesota Commissioner of Human Rights Kevin Lindsey will attend the event and lead a discussion about the message of the movie, what it means for the city of Austin and how Austin as a community interprets that message.

“Ideally, we want people to gain some information,” Lemons said. “A sense of call to action. What we can be doing to keep that dream moving forward.”

The Austin Human Rights Commission has origins dating back to the 1960s, Lemons said. The commission hosts other movie events and community conversations, among many other events.