CLOSING NIGHT SCREENING

WORK IN PROGRESS

SENATOR OBAMA GOES TO AFRICA (workin title)

Kenya/South/Africa/Chad/USA, 2006, 60 min., English

Director: Bob Hercules
Producer: Bob Hercules & Keith Walker
Cinematography: Keith Walker
Editing: Melissa Sterne
Sound: Richard Pooler
Production company: Media Process Educational Films
Print Source:
Bob Hercules
Media Process Educational Films
1327 W. Washington, #103
Chicago, IL 60607
Tel.:1 312 850 1300
www.mediaprocess.com


Senator Obama Goes To Africa

Part personal odyssey and part chronicle of diplomacy in action, this timely and poignant documentary follows Senator Barack Obama as he travels to the land of his ancestry. From South Africa, Jibouti and a Darfur refugee camp in Chad to Robben Island—the infamous prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 21 years, Obama explores the vast country that is gaining importance in geo-political affairs. Though not without its share of political statements (Obama and his wife publicly take an AIDS test and visit several CARE facilities), the heart of the film centers around Obama’s emotional homecoming to Kisumu, Kenya his father’s former home where thousands of locals turn out to meet him. Filmmaker Bob Hercules smartly contrasts Obama’s trip with relevant historical footage from the places he visit thereby emphasizing the importance of the presidential hopeful’s journey. Though Obama spreads his contagious spirit everywhere he goes, this is by no means a campaign film, but rather a touching and intimate look at one man’s search for his roots.

Bob Hercules graduated from West Michigan University with a degree in Telecommunications. He is a veteran independent filmmaker whose work has been seen nationally at film festivals and through numerous PBS broadcasts. Co-owner of Media Process Group, a Chicago-based TV production company.

Filmography (selected):

Senator Obama Goes To Africa (2007)
Forgiving Dr. Mengele (2005)
The Last Frontier (2002)
The Democratic Promise: Saul Alinsky & His Legacy (1999)
Stoney Does Houston (1992);
The Story of America's Classic Ballparks (1991)
Did They Buy It: Nicaragua's 1990 Elections (1990)
Stoney Does Dallas (1984)

CLOSING NIGHT SCREENING

SATURDAY, APRIL 7 AT 8:00 PM./DOC FILMS