American Masters 2022 sneak peek
American Masters, committed to producing comprehensive film biographies about the broad cast of characters who comprise our cultural history.
The meaning of Aloha
Paul Strauch, Duke's former surf teammate, recounts a conversation he had with Duke about the power of the word "Aloha." "Alo" translates to "in the presence," and "ha" is "the breath of life." "[Aloha] was a symbol of intense greeting and respect." This is an outtake from "Waterman—Duke: Ambassador of Aloha."
How Duke broke the swimming world record in Hawaii
The Amateur Athletic Union held its first swim race in Hawaii in 1911, where Duke Kahanamoku shattered the world record by whole seconds. "Hawaiians came into this excited for national recognition, but Duke gave them the world spotlight."
Duke's incredible rescue mission while on a surfboard
On June 14, 1925, the Thelma boat was capsized in Newport Beach, California. Duke Kahanamoku heroically rescued eight of the men on the boat, and recovered the bodies of the many others who perished. "Duke saw people suffering and struggling and said, 'I can do something.' He just assumed responsibility, and jumped right in the water."
Overcoming the distinct challenge of indoor swimming
After smashing the Amateur Athletic Union's world record in 1911, Duke Kahanamoku was brought from Hawaii to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to prove his talents in another race. But Duke found his mind and body shocked by his first time swimming in an indoor pool. Though he lost this race, he would go on to win many more. "The building blocks of a waterman is humility," says surfer Laird Hamilton.
Waterman – Duke: Ambassador of Aloha
Narrated by Jason Momoa, discover the inspiring story and considerable impact of five-time Olympic medalist Duke Kahanamoku. He shattered swimming records and globalized surfing while overcoming racism in a lifetime of personal challenges.
Elsa Sjunneson: DeafBlind author [Audio Description + ASL]
This short film is an extended look at some of the themes explored in American Masters - Becoming Helen Keller, and aims to provide an updated representation of modern DeafBlind role models today. Elsa Sjunneson is a DeafBlind professor and media critic, skilled fencer and hiker, and published author who has written for Marvel Comics. This version contains audio description and ASL interpretation.
Elsa Sjunneson: DeafBlind fencer, hiker, published author
This short film is an extended look at some of the themes explored in American Masters - Becoming Helen Keller, and hopes to provide an updated representation of modern DeafBlind role models today. Elsa Sjunneson is a DeafBlind professor and media critic, skilled fencer and hiker, and published author who has written for Marvel Comics. She is a Hugo Award and Aurora Award winner.
Denyce Graves and others discuss Marian Anderson's legacy
Explore the legacy of Marian Anderson in this special event featuring panelists Director Rita Coburn, Mezzo-Soprano Denyce Graves and Tenor George Shirley, moderated by Executive Producer Michael Kantor.
Marian Anderson overcame discrimination with Danbury farm
Anderson bought her beloved farm in Danbury, CT, with her husband, Orpheus Fisher. Despite her reverence and Fisher being able to pass as white, the couple still encountered racism while attempting to buy the farm. The couple persevered and expanded their purchase to 100 acres of land they later dubbed Marianna Farms.
Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands
Discover an international singer who captivated royalty in Europe and defied the conscience of 1939 America. Watch rare archival footage and hear audio recordings exploring her life and career from the Metropolitan Opera to the State Department.
Marian Anderson's love of fashion and shoes
The National Marian Anderson Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania houses a collection of Anderson's beautiful couture clothing, accessories and shoes. "One of the things that Marian was able to re-imagine about her life and about her style was being introduced to the European fashion scene," said Jillian Pirtle, CEO of the museum.
How racism affected Marian Anderson's vocal classification
Marian Anderson was billed as a contralto, the lowest possible female voice, even though she could also sing the high notes of a soprano. "I believed that Marian Anderson was not classified as a soprano is because that would mean that she would be the love interest of a white counterpart, which was not accepted at all at the time," said opera singer Denyce Graves.
Marian Anderson's singing recalls America's racial unrest
In 1919, Marian Anderson traveled to Chicago for a six-week opera course. Decades later, the city's lasting impression on her was heard through her rendition of the spiritual folk song, "Crucifixion," which evoked memories of the racial unrest she saw during her time there.
Ailey dancers reflect on company's scrappy beginnings
In this outtake from "Ailey," former Ailey dancers recall how Alvin Ailey worked hard to raise money for the company. There was a "burden that was on him to keep us all working and to make sure that [his] dancers [felt] cared for and loved," recalls Judith Jamison, Ailey dancer (1965-1979) and Artistic Director (1989-2011).
Bill T. Jones remembers the first time he met Alvin Ailey
In this outtake from "Ailey," Bill T. Jones, guest choreographer of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, recalls telling Alvin Ailey that he did not want to be considered a "Black choreographer," and Ailey reacting with compassion. "Now I can say it with confidence, but I was lonely," said Jones. "I was lonely for colleagues who were people of color."
Choreographer Rennie Harris on channeling Ailey
Rennie Harris was tapped by Robert Battle, Ailey Artistic Director, to choreograph a piece about Ailey for the 60th anniversary of the company. To prepare, the two reviewed archival footage of Ailey discussing his process. "I just sit there and watch to find out what made Mr. Ailey, Mr. Ailey," said Harris.
Ailey's "Revelations" draws on African American spirituals
Ailey described "Revelations" as "an evening-long saga about the Black experience," and the performance had a huge impact on Black dancers when it premiered in 1960. "I was moved to tears seeing 'Revelations,'" said Mary Barnett, Ailey's rehearsal director from 1975 to 1979.
Alvin Ailey on Chauncey Green, the friend who saved his life
Ailey describes his "blood memories" and growing up during the Great Depression in Texas, where he met a friend who had a lasting impact on his life. "Chauncey saved my life. ... Chauncey Green, I shall never forget him."
Rennie Harris on the power of the choreographer
Rennie Harris, PureMovement choreographer, describes how choreographers are responsible for their dancers. "Mr. Ailey, he used to train moving through spaces and shifting geographies and people and we needed that bullet train."
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