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Heritage Film Project, under the direction of Eduardo Montes-Bradley , has, over the past fifteen years, built a significant catalog of documentary films exploring Black culture in the United States and Brazil. These films provide historical insight, celebrate artistic and cultural contributions, and examine the legacies of influential Black figures. Below is a selection of the most relevant documentaries produced by Heritage Film Project, each offering a unique perspective on the richness and complexity of Black cultural heritage. Additionally, we are currently working on The Ambassador , a film exploring Andrew Young’s experiences in Africa during the Carter administration , shedding light on his role in U.S. diplomacy and African liberation movements. The Role of Cultural Documentaries in Black Storytelling Cultural documentaries have a unique ability to tell stories that might otherwise be overlooked or misrepresented. They highlight significant figures, events, and movements in Black history while giving a voice to communities that often face marginalization. These films are not just visual accounts; they are crucial in fostering understanding, empathy, and appreciation for Black culture. One such documentary is "13th," directed by Ava DuVernay. It explores the intersection of race, justice, and mass incarceration in the United States. With powerful statistics, the film reveals how systemic racism has perpetuated a cycle of inequality and oppression that has affected Black Americans for generations. This documentary has sparked conversations around criminal justice reform and highlighted the need for societal change. Julian Bond by Eduardo Montes-Bradley Celebrating Black Culture Through Cultural Documentaries Cultural documentaries not only illuminate the past but also celebrate the richness of Black culture today. They explore various aspects of life, from music and art to food and traditions. A prominent film that embodies this celebration is "Summer of Soul," directed by Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson. This documentary uncovers the story of the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, which showcased the musical and cultural talents of Black artists during a pivotal moment in American history. The film features performances by legends like Stevie Wonder and Nina Simone, intertwining music with the social and political climate of the time. Viewers are transported back to a vibrant cultural movement that defined an era, reminding us of the power of Black artistic expression. Andrew Young by Eduardo Montes-Bradley What is the Theme for Black History Month 2025? As we look to the future, it is essential to recognize the themes that drive awareness and appreciation during celebrations like Black History Month. Each year, the theme focuses on different aspects of Black culture and history, aiming to further educate the public. The theme for Black History Month 2025 is yet to be announced; however, previous themes have included topics such as the significance of Black women in shaping history and the impact of the Civil Rights Movement. Themes encourage individuals to explore documentary films related to specific topics. For example, if the 2025 theme revolves around the legacy of Black leaders, documentaries about figures like Martin Luther King Jr. or Harriet Tubman can be particularly impactful. Rita Dove by Eduardo Montes-Bradley Impact of Documentaries on Public Awareness Documentaries about Black culture have a profound effect on public awareness and understanding. They challenge stereotypes, provide historical context, and highlight the voices of those who are often ignored in mainstream discussions. According to a study conducted by the National Endowment for the Arts, over 60% of Americans feel that documentaries help them understand different cultures better. This understanding is crucial, particularly in a diverse society where empathy and awareness pave the way for positive change. By watching documentaries, individuals gain insights into the experiences of others, fostering dialogue and making strides towards equality and justice. Documentaries such as "I Am Not Your Negro," based on James Baldwin's unfinished manuscript, challenge audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about race relations. It serves as a reminder that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done. Recommendations for Must-See Documentaries on African American Culture by Eduardo Montes-Bradley For those interested in exploring Black culture through documentaries, there are several must-see films by Eduardo Montes-Bradley that provide a rich tapestry of stories and experiences. Montes-Bradley Contributions to Black Culture in Film Samba On Your Feet  - A vibrant and rhythmic journey into the heart of Afro-Brazilian culture, Samba On Your Feet explores the origins of samba, its deep-rooted connection to African traditions, and its role in shaping Brazil’s national identity. The documentary takes audiences into the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, where samba schools keep the art form alive, revealing how dance and music serve as powerful tools of resistance and celebration. Black Fiddlers - This film delves into the often-overlooked history of African American violinists and their profound influence on American music, from the colonial era to the present. Black Fiddlers uncovers the stories of enslaved and free Black musicians who played a key role in shaping folk, country, and classical music traditions in the United States. Through interviews, archival research, and performances, the documentary restores these musicians to their rightful place in history. Julian Bond  - A compelling portrait of Julian Bond , civil rights leader, historian, and politician, this documentary examines his lifelong fight for racial justice. Julian Bond  chronicles his work with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) , his role in the founding of the Southern Poverty Law Center , and his impact on American politics as a Georgia legislator and NAACP chairman. Featuring rare archival footage and personal reflections, the film captures the depth of Bond’s legacy. Rita Dove: American Poet  - An intimate exploration of the life and work of Rita Dove , former U.S. Poet Laureate and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, this documentary highlights her contributions to literature and the African American experience. Rita Dove: American Poet  examines her poetic themes of history, identity, and personal memory, while also showcasing her influence on contemporary poetry and her commitment to cultural storytelling. The Other Madisons  - Based on the groundbreaking book by Bettye Kearse , this documentary follows her personal journey to uncover the hidden history of the descendants of President James Madison and an enslaved woman named Coreen . The Other Madisons  challenges traditional narratives of the Founding Fathers by revealing the resilience and contributions of their Black descendants. The film combines genealogy, oral history, and historical research to shed light on a silenced chapter of American history. Unearthed and Understood - A powerful investigation into the forgotten history of enslaved individuals who lived and labored at Montpelier, the plantation home of James Madison , Unearthed and Understood  brings their stories to the forefront. The documentary explores the ongoing efforts to restore their legacy through archaeological discoveries, historical research, and the voices of their descendants. By amplifying these narratives, the film reframes the traditional telling of Madison’s legacy and centers the lives of those who were historically erased. These films provide not only education but also inspiration, driving viewers to engage more deeply with the cultural narratives they present.

We are pleased to announce that The Papers of Daniel Chester French , a remarkable scholarly collaboration between Dan Preston and Michael Richman, has found a temporary home with Heritage Film Project . As part of this initiative, we have made a PDF version of the papers publicly available, offering researchers unprecedented access to a curated selection of French’s correspondence and papers from 1865 to 1931 , along with a catalogue of his sculptural works . This temporary hosting aims to bring Preston and Richman’s invaluable research to the attention of potential editors interested in developing a comprehensive online or print edition of the complete works. While the current release does not include the many illustrations and photographs originally attached to the papers, it serves a vital purpose: to provide scholars with an accurate and formal representation of Daniel Chester French’s complete correspondence and the chronology of his works, until a definitive editorial solution is established. I view this collaboration with Dan Preston and Michael Richman as an extension of the same efforts that led to the production of Daniel Chester French: An American Sculptor , a documentary soon to be released on PBS affiliate stations nationwide . Just as the film aims to illuminate the life and legacy of one of America’s most celebrated sculptors, the release of these papers ensures that French’s voice and artistic journey are accessible to scholars, historians, and admirers who seek to engage with his legacy in depth. We invite researchers, institutions, and publishers to explore the manuscript and consider how this invaluable resource might be expanded into a definitive edition. For now, it is our privilege to host this important work and contribute to the ongoing study of Daniel Chester French’s life, art, and influence .

Michael Richman Daniel Preston - Williamsburg, VA | The Papers of Daniel Chester French is a collection of historical documents illuminating the life and career of Daniel Chester French, the American sculptor who created two of the iconic images of the United States—the Minute Man statue in Concord, Massachusetts, and the state of Abraham Lincoln in the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D. C.   The edition has been compiled and prepared for publication by Daniel Preston and Michael Richman.   The volume totals 1,103 pages (721,269 words), comprising front matter, 1,260 documents, a descriptive list of 359 sculptural works, and indices.  It is accompanied by 370 photographs of French’s sculptural work.   Daniel Preston and Michael Richman Daniel Chester French was born in Exeter, New Hampshire, on 20 April 1850.  He sculpted his first figures in 1868, and pursued his craft until his death in October 1931.  During that period French fashioned some 360 sculptural works—decorative pieces, memorial plaques, medals, simple tombstones, busts, statues, museum pieces, and public monuments.  The letters and other papers presented here document this extraordinary career as well as French’s participation in the development of American art in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.  They also give us a picture of his personal life and provide us with an understanding of his character. The focus of any work on Daniel Chester French naturally lies upon his sculpture.  The papers presented here provide a comprehensive and detailed overview of his work: the preliminary discussions that led to commissions and contracts; the creative process of conceiving, modelling, and casting or carving; and the public reception and approbation of French’s sculpture.  French was extremely articulate, and his correspondence with patrons, fellow artists, architects, and friends give us an incomparable look at the creative process.  His correspondence also reflects his views on the work of fellow artists and on trends in art, both two-dimensional and sculptural.  Furthermore, French’s involvement with arts institutions, such as the National Sculptors’ Society, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Academy in Rome, and the Commission of Fine Arts provides insights into evolution of art in the United States. Daniel French holding modeling tools The line between the professional and the personal is often thin, and French’s correspondence with friends such as sculptors Evelyn Longman and Augustus Saint-Gaudens, painters Albert Thayer and Edwin Blashfield, architects Charles McKim and Henry Bacon, and patrons Katrina Trask, Harriet Bradbury and George R. White illustrates this.  The greatest example, however, is the correspondence with his brother, William M. R. French, who served for thirty-two years as the director of the Art Institute of Chicago.  Indeed, all his correspondence with family members—his father Henry Flagg French, step-mother Pamela French, and sisters Harriette Hollis and Sally Bartlett—and with his friends as well, ranges freely between his artistic work and personal affairs.  (It should be noted here that only a handful of letters between French and his wife Mary survive.  Margaret French Cresson recorded that her father burned their correspondence.)     An unexpected joy is the letters written by French during his teens and twenties, which began when he was fifteen and writing to his life-long friend, the renowned ornithologist William Brewster.  French and Brewster shared an interest in birds and a deep love of nature, and these letters illustrate the bonds of their friendship from when they first met in 1861 until Brewster’s death in 1919.  Other letters, written mostly to his brother Will and to his father, present a richly detailed picture of the social life of young adults in Concord, Massachusetts, in Washington, D. C., and for the two years that he resided there in the mid-1870s, in the American community in Florence, Italy.  French naturally had extensive connections in the art community, but he also had friends in the world of literature, music, and theater.  Chief of among these was Ralph Waldo Emerson, a Concord neighbor who French portrayed in a bust and a statue and who was largely responsible for the twenty-three-year-old French receiving the commission for the Minute Man statue.  French was also friendly with the Alcotts—he crafted a bust of Bronson Alcott, and May Alcott encouraged the young French to pursue a career in sculpture.  Other prominent correspondents included Emily Dickinson (a neighbor of the French family when they resided in Amherst), Edith Wharton (who had a residence in the Berkshires not far the French summer home), Henry James, Robert Frost, and composer George W. Chadwick, whose composition “The Angel of Death” was inspired by French’s memorial to Martin Milmore.   French was frequently asked to speak in public, but he always declined, claiming the he was a very poor public speaker.  He had no such hesitation, however, about writing essays for publication.  His earliest efforts were newspaper essays written during his residence in Italy in the 1870s.  Later writings included introductions to books on his friends May Alcott and William Brewster and and essay bearing the title “On Certain Obstacles to the Highest Enjoyment of Music From A Sculptor, With Practical Suggestions.” Both Dan and Will French occasionally decorated their letters with sketches.  The pages bearing these drawings have been scanned, and the digital images have been inserted as illustrations with these letters.

Dave Matthews joins the film on Joy Brown and Academy Nominee Paul Raci will narrate The Piccirilli Factor. As September rolls in, there's a sense of returning to normalcy that I find both refreshing and necessary. I've never been particularly fond of August in the northern hemisphere. Growing up in Buenos Aires, August was the coldest month of the year, often filled with the chill of winter, in stark contrast to the summer heat here. Perhaps it's this contrast that makes me appreciate the shift into September even more—an opportunity to refocus and push forward. This month marks a significant milestone in my work. After nearly three years of intense research and learning, I’m on track to complete The Piccirilli Factor . This journey has been as enlightening as it has been challenging, each film I create teaching me something new. Right now, I’m writing from Amtrak 156, en route from Charlottesville to New York, where I’ll be filming with Thayer Tolles, Associate Curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Thayer will be adding her insights on Furio Piccirilli, Attilio’s brother and creative partner, bringing a critical perspective to the Piccirilli story before we head into postproduction. The Piccirilli Factor: A Path to Completion Paul Raci. I’m thrilled to share that the search for the perfect narrator for The Piccirilli Factor has come to a successful end. Academy Nominee Paul Raci has agreed to lend his voice to the project. Paul is not only an extraordinary actor but also possesses a voice that will bring depth and gravitas to the narrative. Our paths first crossed nearly 35 years ago on the set of SmoothTalker , my first film and his second, and my respect for him has only grown over the years. We’ll be recording the voice-over in Los Angeles this November, followed by final sound postproduction at In Your Ear studio in Richmond. If all goes according to plan, The Piccirilli Factor will premiere in New York in the spring of 2025. Dave Matthews Joins Joy Brown Dave Matthews by Eduardo Montes-Bradley Montes-Bradley and Mathews Reflecting on my recent encounter with Dave Matthews in Charlottesville, I’m grateful for his willingness to share his views on Joy Brown’s monumental sculptures. My son William was able to assist with sound recording during our conversation, making it a family affair of sorts. It was fascinating to hear Dave, an art lover with a keen eye, discuss not only Joy Brown’s work but also the paintings of John Borden Evans and his late friend Edward Thomas. Having Dave Matthews contribute to the film on Joy Brown is truly the cherry on top, and I’m excited to see how his insights will enrich the final product. Our fundraising efforts to complete the Joy Brown film continue, and while there’s still a long road ahead, I’m confident we’ll reach our goal. We’re aiming for a premiere in early September 2025. Looking Ahead to 2025 Edward Boccia | Self Portrait The coming year promises to be a significant one for Heritage Film Project and myself. Alongside the release of The Piccirilli Factor and Joy Brown , we’ll be diving into two new projects. The first is Looking for Edward Boccia, a biographical documentary we’re coordinating with Boccia’s daughter, Alice, and curator Rosa Berland. The second project, The Women at Tiffany , will explore the historical context of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s rise as a prominent decorator and the contributions of notable female artists who worked under him. We’re currently developing this film with Lindsy R. Parrott, Executive Director and Curator at The Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass, and aim to include expert insights from both Lindsy and Alice Cooney Frelinghuysen of the MET. Their knowledge will be key to bringing this often-overlooked story to life. As the conductor announces our departure from Culpepper, Virginia, I’m filled with anticipation for what lies ahead. New York, and the future, await.

We are making significant progress on The Ambassador, a film that explores the extraordinary diplomatic journey of Andrew Young as the first African-American U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. The film opens with Young’s recollection of his appointment by President Jimmy Carter and follows his pivotal role in shaping U.S. foreign policy in Africa during a time of immense geopolitical tension. Andrew Young and Jimmy Carter Drawing on insights from Jimmy Carter in Africa: Race and the Cold War by Nancy Mitchell, The Ambassador highlights how Carter and Young’s both shaped by the American civil rights movement’s sought peaceful resolutions to racial conflicts in Africa. In stark contrast to the Soviet Union's support for armed revolution, backed by nearly 20,000 Cuban troops, Young engaged African leaders like Nigerian head of state Olusegun Obasanjo to broker diplomatic solutions, including the transition of Rhodesia to an independent Zimbabwe. His deep personal connections and credibility on the continent helped steer U.S. diplomacy toward decolonization and self-determination. However, Young’s tenure was not without controversy. His unauthorized meeting with a representative of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) sparked intense political backlash. Secretary of State Cyrus Vance, a staunch opponent of Young’s diplomatic strategies, issued Carter an ultimatum: fire Young or accept Vance's resignation. Under mounting pressure, Carter sided with Vance, forcing Young to resign, an event Carter later publicly acknowledged. The film ultimately comes full circle, concluding with Young delivering a powerful homily at Carter’s funeral, reflecting on their shared commitment to diplomacy, racial justice, and peace. As Carter’s role in this history gains prominence in the narrative, The Ambassador examines how his presidency leveraged the lessons of the civil rights movement to navigate Cold War conflicts in Africa and beyond. This documentary feels particularly timely as Africa once again becomes a diplomatic battleground, with Russia and China expanding their influence while the United States repositions itself in the region. Simultaneously, two defining foreign policy legacies of the Carter administration the Panama Canal and peace in the Middle East have returned to the forefront under Donald Trump’s second presidency. The Ambassador revisits a critical chapter in American diplomacy, offering fresh perspectives on the challenges and opportunities that remain relevant today. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to develop this project.

Andrew Young by Eduardo Montes-Bradley The Ambassador offers an intimate and profound exploration of the life and legacy of Andrew Young—former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mayor of Atlanta, and a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement. Directed by Eduardo Montes-Bradley, this documentary delves into Young’s remarkable journey, from his close collaborations with Martin Luther King Jr., Desmond Tutu, and Nelson Mandela, to his critical role in international negotiations during the Carter administration. Young’s diplomatic influence spanned continents, addressing conflicts in Africa, Central America, and the Middle East. WHY The Ambassador  MATTERS NOW At the heart of The Ambassador is a rare, personal three-day, one-on-one interview conducted by Montes-Bradley with Andrew Young in Atlanta, Georgia, in December 2024. In this intimate conversation, Ambassador Young speaks for the first time about his groundbreaking experiences representing the United States in Africa and the Middle East. His candid reflections provide unprecedented insight into the challenges and triumphs of navigating global diplomacy as the first African-American in this prestigious role. Andrew Young, leasing the movement At a time when the world faces complex political challenges, Andrew Young’s legacy offers a powerful reminder of the role principled leadership can play in fostering peace and justice. From his instrumental role in ending apartheid in South Africa, to guiding the transition from Rhodesia to Zimbabwe, influencing the Revolutionary War in Angola, and contributing to the Camp David Accords, Young’s diplomatic achievements continue to resonate today. The United Nations itself plays a central role in this film, symbolizing both the power and the complexity of global diplomacy. The iconic UN building in Manhattan serves as a recurring backdrop, grounding Young’s story in the heart of international politics and highlighting the significance of his work on the world stage. Andrew Young, US Ambassador to the United States But The Ambassador is more than a history lesson—it’s a story of faith, humanity, and the bridges built through shared spiritual connections. Young’s deep-rooted belief in the goodness of people allowed him to navigate some of the most challenging political landscapes with grace and integrity. This film also honors the partnership between Andrew Young and President Jimmy Carter, highlighting how their shared values and vision for a better world left a lasting impact on global affairs. The story begins with Carter’s groundbreaking appointment of Young and concludes with Young delivering a heartfelt eulogy at Carter’s funeral—bringing their journey full circle. Andrew Young and President Jimmy Carter Andrew Young and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Following Montes-Bradley’s acclaimed portrayals of Julian Bond and Rita Dove, The Ambassador adds another vital dimension to the ongoing dialogue on race, justice, and international relations in the United States. Through Young’s reflections, the film captures a rich narrative of race, diplomacy, and leadership that defined the latter half of the 20th century—and continues to shape our present. By supporting The Ambassador, you’re helping to preserve and share a story that speaks to the power of courage, diplomacy, and unwavering faith in humanity. This is not just Andrew Young’s story—it’s a reflection of the ideals that continue to inspire generations.

Final stretch of The Art of Joy Brown with historical insights into her family legacy in China No previous experience could have prepared me for what was ahead when I accepted the commission for a documentary film on Joy Brown. The initial idea was to conceive a portrait of one of America’s foremost ceramists working on a single and monumental mural commissioned by a private museum in Japan. However, the subject soon transcended the concept, revealing an artist of many layers: a ceramist, a muralist, and a sculptor of monumental bronze figures that occupy a place of prominence in public and private spaces. What was originally meant to be a one-year endeavor has now stretched into nearly three. In that time, I have followed Joy’s journey from her studio in Kent to New York, and from Osaka to Shanghai. Yet, even now, I feel I am only beginning to peel back the layers of her story, deconstructing the multiple artists she embodies and the deep connections between her artistry, her personal history, and the friends who orbit her life like celestial bodies. More than an artist, Joy Brown is the ultimate Matryoshka doll—a universe unto herself. Each layer reveals new dimensions: her generosity of spirit, her resilience, and her ability to create spaces that bridge cultures and inspire. Eduardo Montes-Bradley Joy Brown: An exercise in patience, curiosity, and discovery Making this film has been an exercise in patience, curiosity, and discovery. It’s reminded me that stories worth telling often resist tidy timelines and neat conclusions. Joy’s world is vast, and stepping into that world has been like entering a labyrinth with no desire to find a way out. I am loving every minute of this journey, not only because of what I’ve learned about Joy, but because of how her story has reframed my understanding of the social role of an artist. The Art of Joy Brown isn’t just about Joy’s artistry; it’s about celebrating the forces that fuel her work—community, intuition, and a boundless curiosity. In many ways, it has become a mirror, reflecting the very principles that have driven me as a documentary filmmaker: the belief that stories, like people, are most compelling when they are allowed to unfold naturally, with all their layers intact. As I near the conclusion of this project, I realize that this film is not just a portrait of Joy Brown; it’s a tribute to the interconnectedness of art and life, to the way creativity can build bridges between the deeply personal and the universal. And perhaps, most profoundly, it is a reflection of the joy that can be found in embracing complexity, both in art and in life.

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO RENT THE FILM NOW Heritage Film Project is thrilled to announce the release of Daniel Chester French: American Sculptor on our streaming platform. This full, unedited version of the award-winning documentary, which premiered in May 2022, is now available to rent or purchase. The film, directed by Eduardo Montes-Bradley, delves into the life and career of Daniel Chester French, one of America’s most celebrated sculptors. French is perhaps best known for his iconic rendering of President Abraham Lincoln seated in the Lincoln Memorial, a timeless symbol of democracy and national unity. The documentary follows French’s journey from his upbringing on a New Hampshire farm to his rise as a central figure in the art world of New York. It explores his early influences, including his connection to Ralph Waldo Emerson in Concord, and his first major commission, The Minute Man , a monument created in 1874 to commemorate the centennial of U.S. independence. Through a thoughtful narrative, the film sheds light on French’s most significant works, such as Alma Mater at Columbia University, Standing Lincoln at the Nebraska State Capitol, The Spirit of Life in Saratoga Springs, and the Marquis de Lafayette in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. It also recognizes the crucial contributions of the Piccirilli Brothers, the artisans responsible for carving almost all of French’s marble and stone sculptures, whose work has historically gone under-acknowledged. The documentary incorporates insights from historians, curators, and art scholars, including Harold Holzer, Daniel Preston, Thayer Tolles, and Michele Bogart, among others. Their perspectives offer a deeper understanding of French’s artistic legacy and the cultural significance of his creations. Produced with the support of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Chesterwood, and the Morris and Alma Schapiro Fund, the film not only celebrates French’s accomplishments but also provides an intimate view of his personal and professional life. It captures the essence of his work, from his early artistic development to the creation of monuments that continue to resonate as defining symbols of American identity.

Last Christmas marked the 15th anniversary of our relocation to Virginia. Over the years, despite the frequent travel required to fulfill commissions elsewhere, we have remained committed to documenting stories that reflect the essence of Charlottesville's community. This commitment has been driven by a deliberate effort to bring the arts and sciences into the documentary forum, resulting in what we now call A Charlottesville Collection —a body of work within the broader spectrum of titles in our catalogue. The journey began with Julian Bond: Reflections from the Frontlines of the Civil Rights Movement , the first-ever biographical essay on the civil rights leader. This was followed by Rita Dove: An American Poet , an intimate portrayal of the poet's roots and creative journey. From there, the collection grew to include Monroe Hill , which explored the historic site that laid the foundation for the University of Virginia, as well as James Monroe’s life in Paris during the French Revolution. Descendants at James Madison's Montpelier Our work also engaged with the university's complex history, collaborating with Dr. Marcus Martin and the President’s Commission on Slavery and the University to produce a documentary about the legacy of slavery in and around the Academic Village. Beyond historical narratives, we ventured into the local arts scene, documenting the work and vision of artists like Lincoln Perry and John Borden Evans, as well as scientists, architects, astronomers, historians and engineers. Rita Dove and Eduardo Montes-Bradley To date, we have produced nearly fifty titles, many of which have been distributed through Public Television and are accessible in public and academic libraries across the country and abroad. One particularly rewarding aspect of this work has been the creation of the Eduardo Montes-Bradley Photograph and Film Collection . Through this donation to the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, I’ve been able to share still portraits and films with a wider audience. This unique collection is available through the interlibrary network at the University of Virginia and beyond. Julian Bond by Montes-Bradley The last fifteen years have been an extraordinary journey of building bridges between the Heritage Film Project, myself, and the academic and scientific community. Looking ahead, we plan to dedicate the next five years to producing a series of documentaries on local artists, musicians, painters, and sculptors. These films will serve as a visual archive of Charlottesville at the turn of the 21st century. Currently under development is Edward Thomas, a film narrated by Richard Crozier. For updates on this project and others in the pipeline, we invite you to sign up for our blog and stay connected with our work. Richard Crozier This milestone reflects not just the passage of time but the shared stories and collaborations that have made this community a cornerstone of our creative journey. Thank you for being part of it.

Curator's Talk by Rosa Berland: Explore the groundbreaking works of Edward E. Boccia, a postwar American expressionist, at the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute in New York.