“We are versions of one another in our common humanity, whatever our color, whatever our ethnicity, whatever, you know, on the surface makes us individuals. In terms of our common humanity, we are copies of one another.”
Arguably the most influential creator, writer, and producer in the history of television, Norman Lear brought primetime into step with the times. Using comedy and indelible characters, his legendary 1970s shows such as All In the Family, Maude, Good Times, and The Jeffersons, boldly cracked open dialogue and shifted the national consciousness, injecting enlightened humanism into sociopolitical debates on race, class, creed, and feminism.
In 2007 Ewing and Grady were nominated for an Academy Award for best documentary feature for “Jesus Camp,” a candid look at Pentecostal children in America.
Go and watch this humbling documentary portrait at the life, work and political activism of one arguably the most influential creator, writer, and producer in the history of US television; Norman Lear. Directed by Rachel Grady and Heidi Ewing (12th & Delaware, DETROPIA). Watch the trailer below:
In his prolific career, Norman Lear often found himself arguing with network censors.
For example, have a look at the three following clips. This is CBS’s Mike Wallace speaking to Norman about his sometimes tense relationship with the networks.
Norman Lear’s controversial work led to a disclaimer from CBS.
Norman Lear’s work focused on real people and real conversations.
The groundbreaking 1970s show “Maude” addressed women’s issues, like abortion, head-on. Which won writer Susan Harris the Humanitas Prize — an award for film and television writing that promotes human dignity, meaning, and freedom.
- Norman Lear’s “Maude” on Tough Issues (0:31)
- CLIP “And Then There’s Maude”: Television, Abortion, and Social Relevance
I consider that the creative community are the hands that feed. MIKE And they’re biting your hand. And they’re biting our hands.
Watch Democracy Now Amy Goodman’s interview below, and more:
BONUS
- “Just Another Version of You”: The Life, Art and Activism of Legendary TV Producer Norman Lear
- An entertainment icon on living a life of meaning | Norman Lear | TED
- Norman Lear, legendary and visionary television producer, talks about his history in the industry | Writers Guild Foundation
- The daily show with Jon Stewart Norman Lear | Even This I Get to Experience” author and TV producer Norman Lear recalls his struggle to succeed in comedy before “All in the Family,” “The Jeffersons” and “Maude.” (6:28)
International Documentary Filmfestival Amsterdam (IDFA)
During IDFA2016 (Amsterdam, November 16 – 27), creative documentaries take centre stage. Since its launch in 1988 IDFA has been one of the world’s leading documentary film festivals, dedicated to the exhibition and promotion of ground-breaking creative documentaries.
Trailer IDFA 2016
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The complete film list for IDFA 2016 is now online!
Photo credit: Loki Films Thirteen / WNET.