Sydney G. James: How We See Us | In the Making | American Masters | PBS

Filmmaker Juanita Anderson follows visual artist Sydney G. James, whose bold brush strokes in murals and large-scale paintings amplify the presence of Black women, Black families and Black culture in her hometown of Detroit. Through her work as a mentor and as co-founder of the BLKOUT Walls Mural Festival, James inspires her fellow Detroiters to come together to celebrate their community.

What happens when an artist holds up a mirror to the world? In the Making, a documentary shorts series from American Masters and Firelight Media, follows emerging cultural icons on their journeys to becoming masters of their artistic disciplines. Across seven episodes, meet creatives who are making work that explores and influences American culture today.

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More about American Masters and Firelight Media
Now in its 37th season on PBS, @americanmasters was recently nominated for an IDA Award and a Critics Choice Documentary Award. The series illuminates the lives and creative journeys of those who have left an indelible impression on our cultural landscape—through compelling, unvarnished and impactful stories. Setting the standard for documentary film profiles, the series has earned widespread critical acclaim and 28 Emmy Awards—including 10 for Outstanding Non-Fiction Series and five for Outstanding Non-Fiction Special—14 Peabodys, three Grammys, two Producers Guild Awards, an Oscar, and many other honors. To further explore the lives and works of more than 250 masters past and present, the American Masters website offers full episodes, film outtakes, filmmaker interviews, the podcast American Masters: Creative Spark, educational resources, digital original series and more. The series is a production of The WNET Group.

Firelight Media is a premier destination for non-fiction cinema by and about communities of color. Firelight Media produces documentary films, supports filmmakers of color, and cultivates audiences for their work. Firelight Media’s programs include the Documentary Lab, an 18-month fellowship that supports emerging filmmakers of color; Groundwork Regional Lab, which supports filmmakers in the American south, midwest, and U.S. Territories; and the William Greaves Research and Development Fund for mid-career nonfiction filmmakers from racially and ethnically underrepresented communities. Firelight Media also produces digital short films, including the recently announced collection HOMEGROWN: Future Visions.

#InTheMaking #AmericanMastersPBS #Murals

[yasmeenhanoosh]

So inspiring! Thank you for your work and what you represent, Sydney!

[RZR-px]

I'm all in your Story. Thank for sharing, you.
It's healing 🌱

[denisethomas]

I'm so glad I saw this. Fabulous talent and her murals are telling stories that deserve to be heard/seen. Stand Proud.

[hottafyah]

Simply Amazing Black Queen!!!, continue to tell our stories in paint!

[msp]

Your work is amazing. That's for the gifts you keep blessing the city with

[rodrigomachado]

We are learning
so much from Sydney😊❤

[evefavorse]

I’m so impressed by Sydney’s talent but especially proud that she represents Detroit and Black people in the most positive way and a way that we deserve to be represented!

[AndaluzTheArtist]

From one artist to another, Great work. Continue to shine and stay blessed.

[hairgirl]

Sydney is the epitome of Black Excellence✊🏿🧡

[deloriscortez]

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING and a WONDERFUL showcase of black family and black art.

[pakababy]

I grew up in Flint, and during my last visit I went to see all of the beautiful murals that have been done all over Flint's downtown area. I love the beauty of your murals, they speak to the soul.

[RZR-px]

I grew up in Bay City. Humble and Proud!

[marimy]

Keep taking up space! Your work is beautiful.

[brendaharvill]

Proud of you....continue to exhibit our true colors and legacy.

[NikFree]

Go Cuz!!! We're so proud of you!!

[froglet]

Wonderful to learn about the very talented and community-centered woman, and her collaborators, who created these radical masterpieces, one of which I admire and appreciate each day. For one year now I wake up energized to know I can walk to and look up to the Girl with the D Earring. Her murals are absolutely outstanding, and they transform and uplift the horizon of Detroit.