Equal Justice Initiative
CENTURIES OF STRUGGLE
Continuing our collaboration with the Equal Justice Initiative, we partnered to bring forth a new animated film series that shines a light on the profound legacy of racial injustice in America's history.
This project consists of ten compelling films, each designed to bridge the gap between historical events and present day experiences, propelling a dialogue of understanding and empathy.
View the Centuries of Struggle trailer below, as well as three films from the series. Then click here to view the rest, along with credits and additional content.
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Film 1
The Kiss
Our first film in the series, recounts an event that took place 65 years ago in which police arrested, jailed, and physically assaulted two Black children after a white child kissed them on the cheek. The lives of the two boys were forever altered, and the trauma endured by them and their family extended to the entire Black community of Monroe, North Carolina.
Realistic Representation
In our commitment to honoring the true narrative of James Hanover Thompson and David Simpson, our technical approach to this film melded reverence for history with innovation. The pre-production phase was anchored in thorough research where our team poured through archival photographs from the era and articles written about the events. This was coupled with a detailed briefing from our partners at the Equal Justice Initiative. We then created 3D models and bespoke clothing that mirrors the actual clothing from these reference materials, further bridging the gap between past and present while maintaining the dignity of the individuals' memories.
Finding Our Story
For this film, and the series it initiates, our narrative framework draws inspiration from documentary filmmaking techniques, utilizing a diverse palette of visual storytelling methods. We strategically employed a blend of photography, meticulously rendered images, animated sequences, and expressive typography. Each scene was carefully orchestrated to utilize the most effective visual communication method for the intended emotional and narrative impact, ensuring a cohesive and engaging experience.
Film 2
The Coup
Our second film in the series recounts an event in which over 2,000 armed White people descended on Wilmington city Hall and forced Black and White elected officials to resign in a coup. The goal of the militia was to dismantle the biracial government and codify White supremacy as state policy - a goal that was achieved, significantly impacting life in Wilmington, North Carolina for half a century to follow.
Creating the Colonel
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
“Colonel Waddell, who led the insurrection, was appointed Wilmington’s new mayor.”
Film 3
George Stinney
Our next film revisits the harrowing story of George Stinney, the youngest person executed in the United States during the 20th century. At just 14, George was wrongfully convicted and executed in 1944 for the murders of two white girls in South Carolina—a tragic consequence of racial prejudice.
Both “The Kiss” and “George Stinney” presented unique challenges in animation, requiring us to create 3D models of children capable of expressing a wide range of emotions.
