Expired June 28, 2021 3:59 AM
Already unlocked? for access
This program is eligible for audience awards! Unlock it to cast your vote.
Protected ContentThis content can only be viewed in authorized regions: United States of America.

Continue the conversation on DOCS Connect with filmmakers and audience members, here

Director Peter Kunhardt (TRUE JUSTICE, 2019) returns to the festival with a comprehensive study of Barack Obama’s journey from Illinois State Senator to the 44th U.S. President against the cultural and historical moments that defined his political rise. Archival interviews and speeches from Obama’s career frame insights from a who’s who of political experts — such as Jelani Cobb, David Remnick, Cornel West, Sherrilyn Ifill, Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson — as they analyze how race and politics intertwined to lead to the election of the country’s first Black president. AFI DOCS is honored to host the world premiere of the first two parts of this series.

  • Year
    2021
  • Runtime
    96 minutes
  • Language
    English
  • Country
    USA
  • Premiere
    World
  • Director
    Peter Kunhardt
  • Producer
    George Kunhardt, Teddy Kunhardt, Maya Mumma, Matthew O. Henderson
  • Executive Producer
    Andi Bernstein, Mona Sutphen, Jelani Cobb, Jacqueline Glover, Peter Kunhardt, Nancy Abraham, Lisa Heller
  • Cast
    Jelani Cobb, David Remnick, Valerie Jarrett, Cornel West, John Lewis, Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, Sherrilyn Ifill, Michele Norris, Michael Eric Dyson, Jon Favreau, Ta-Nehisi Coates
  • Cinematographer
    Joe Arcidiacono, Clair Popkin
  • Editor
    Maya Mumma
  • Music
    Osei Essed, Saul Simon MacWilliams