POWERFUL DOCUMENTARY ON THE LIFE OF CIVIL RIGHTS ICON JOHN LEWIS

Washington, DC – Icon Genesis Productions proudly introduces The John Lewis Documentary Project, a feature-length film documenting the life and legacy of civil rights icon and Congressman John Lewis. At the helm of the intimate narrative is award-winning director Stanley Nelson. The film is scheduled for release Fall 2016.

Often called “one of the most courageous persons the Civil Rights Movement ever produced,” John Lewis has become an inspiring international symbol of steadfast commitment to the philosophy of nonviolence, to protecting human rights, securing civil liberties and building what he calls “The Beloved Community.”

“Generations from now,” President Barack Obama said when presenting Lewis with the Medal of Freedom in 2011, “when parents teach their children what is meant by courage, the story of John Lewis will come to mind.” His is a story that must be told. And Director Nelson is the one to bring it to the big screen.

When Nelson was awarded the 2014 National Humanities Medal for outstanding achievement in history, cultural studies, filmmaking, cultural commentary and historic preservation, President Barack Obama delivered this medal citation: “Stanley Nelson, producer and director, for documenting the story of African Americans through film. By turning a camera on both the well-known and unknown narratives of African Americans, Mr. Nelson has exposed injustice and triumph while revealing new depths of our nation’s history.”

“I am grateful to have someone as accomplished as Stanley Nelson involved in this project,” said Congressman Lewis. I never dreamed when I began this journey, my life would be an inspiration to others.”

Stanley Nelson has a long and distinguished filmmaking career. Stanley Nelson is a multiple Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker, MacArthur “Genius” Fellow and member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Nelson is the director of 12 documentary features, including “Freedom Summer,” “Freedom Riders,” “Jonestown: The Life and Death of People’s Temple” and “The Murder of Emmett Till.” Having premiered eight films at the Sundance Film Festival and with multiple industry awards to his credit, Nelson is acknowledged as one of the premiere filmmakers working today. He is currently in theatrical release of his highly-anticipated new documentary “The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution.”

“I am extremely honored and excited about being a part of telling the John Lewis story,” said Nelson. “We want the world, and future generations to learn from and be inspired by his example.”