Roger Ross Williams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Roger Ross Williams
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Williams in April 2016
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| Born | September 16, 1962 Easton, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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| Occupation | Film director Screenwriter Film producer |
| Years active | 1995–present |
Roger Ross Williams (born September 16, 1962) is a famous American director, producer, and writer. He made history as the first African American director to win an Academy Award, also known as an Oscar.
He won this major award in 2009 for his short movie Music by Prudence. The film tells the inspiring story of a singer from Zimbabwe who overcomes great challenges.
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Early Life and School
Roger Ross Williams was born in Easton, Pennsylvania. His family has roots with the Gullah people of South Carolina, who have a unique African-American culture.
After high school, Williams went to Northampton Community College. He later attended the famous New York University to continue his studies. This education helped prepare him for a future in film and television.
A Career in Film and Television
Williams started his career in 1985. He worked on funny political shows for Comedy Central and Michael Moore's series TV Nation. He gained a lot of experience by producing and directing for big news channels like NBC News, BBC, and CNN.
Over the years, he has created shows and specials for many networks, including PBS, ABC, and the Sundance Channel. His work has earned him many awards for telling interesting stories about people's lives.
Making Award-Winning Documentaries
Williams is best known for directing powerful documentaries. A documentary is a movie that tells a true story about real people and events.
- Life, Animated: This film tells the story of an autistic boy who learns to communicate using Disney movies. It won a directing award at the Sundance Film Festival and three Emmy Awards.
- God Loves Uganda: This documentary explores the influence of American missionaries in Uganda. It was shortlisted for an Academy Award.
- American Jail: This film takes a close look at the prison system in the United States.
- The Apollo: This movie celebrates the history of the famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York. It was chosen to open the Tribeca Film Festival in 2019.
New and Exciting Projects
Williams is always working on new things. He co-founded a production company called One Story Up. The company creates different kinds of shows, including a documentary series for Netflix.
He also directed his first movie that isn't a documentary, called Cassandro, for Amazon Studios. In 2022, he helped produce a film called Master of Light, which is about the artist George Anthony Morton.
Helping Other Filmmakers
Williams uses his success to help others. He is on the board of Docubox Kenya, a group that helps and supports filmmakers in Africa. He is also a leader at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, the group that gives out the Oscars.
He helps decide who joins the Academy and works to make sure filmmakers from all backgrounds get a chance to succeed. He is also a trustee for a major art museum in Africa and helps with film festivals like the Tribeca Film Institute.
Selected Filmography
Here are some of the many movies and TV shows Roger Ross Williams has worked on.
As a Director
- 2010: Music by Prudence
- 2013: God Loves Uganda
- 2016: Life, Animated
- 2018: American Jail
- 2019: The Apollo
- 2023: Cassandro
- 2023: Love to Love You, Donna Summer
- 2023: Stamped from the Beginning
As a Producer
- 1997: TV Nation
- 2010: Music by Prudence
- 2013: God Loves Uganda
- 2016: Life, Animated
- 2022: Master of Light
- 2023: ... Complex
- 2025: Move Ya Body: The Birth of House
- 2025: How to Build a Library
Major Awards
- Academy Award for Best Documentary (Short Subject) for Music by Prudence (2010)
- Directing Award at the Sundance Film Festival for Life, Animated
- Inspiration Award at the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival for God Loves Uganda
- Best Feature Documentary at several film festivals for God Loves Uganda
- National Headliner Award for his documentary New York Underground
