Watch It Here: Illustrating black History
Missed the theatrical premiere at the de Young Museum? Here is the exclusive portal for viewing the documentary short “Illustrating Black History.”
A creative director at the top of his career who suddenly starts questioning everything. A soul-shifting trip down to Mexico. An artistic exercise undertaken alone, that suddenly and powerfully engages hundreds of thousands around the world. “Illustrating Black History” is short documentary film that follows the artist, writer and designer George McCalman, the force behind the acclaimed new book, llustrated Black History: Honoring the Iconic and the Unseen. What started with McCalman examining his own place in the world eventually evolved into a collection of 145 original portraits and profiles that celebrates Black pioneers — famous and little-known — in politics, science, literature, music, and more.
The film “Illustrating Black History” was produced by Represent Collaborative and came together thanks to a passionate and talented team led by director Khamisi Norwood, who spent countless hours with McCalman, both in riveting conversation and quiet observation. The final product is an intimate behind-the-scenes look at McCalman’s creative process and artistic journey—a multiyear process that nearly broke him at times. Grammy-nominated jazz trumpeter and composer Ambrose Akinmusire provided the score to this inspiring story of struggle, discovery and triumph.
Thank you to the entire team of talented individuals and organizations who worked on this film:
Director
Producers
Director of Photography
RATH
Camera
Drone Operator
Editors
KHAMISI NORWOOD
Sound Mix
PA
Still Photography
Special thanks
B A B U L J A K S T I L L S + M O T I O N
STUDIO 313