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DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT
 The
role of African Americans and other Cartoonist of color
in the field of cartooning is unrecognized. Heaven Sent
Productions intends to change this. What better man to
start with than Morrie Turner! Filming Morrie's life
story and his contributions will be valuable to the
cartoon industry.
Throughout its history, the growth and strength of the
United States has been enhanced by individuals who have,
at times, been seen as operating "outside of the box."
Those individuals may be described as everything from
"ahead of their time" to "cutting edge." Morrie Turner,
the first major African American cartoonist, is
definitely one of those individuals. I love Morrie
Turner. He personally inspires me. Once this documentary
is completed he will be a source of motivation to all
people of color.
In November 2004, he received the History Maker Award in
Los Angeles, California for his contribution to the
Cartoon industry. Morrie’s comic strip expresses his
dream for this country’s social and political climate:
as the melting pot it was meant to be.
His "Wee Pals" children, created against the backdrop of
the turbulent sixties, was the first multicultural
syndicated comic strip. Morrie's story will cover a time
when racial harmony was unheard of, and accents the
unfolding of our cultural acceptance of one another.
No time would be more propitious than now to complete
this story. Viewers that saw a 30 minute rough cut were
moved by Morrie’s use of humor to promote his message of
racial harmony (stating he was like Bill Cosby in
telling his stories) His talent and humility are
engaging.
As an Afro-Cuban, American woman and animation voice
actress, I feel incredibly close to this project. My
familiarity with the intended audience gives me
confidence that I can properly address this subject. The
film’s natural audience of artists and people of
color-of all ages-are bound to be affected by Morrie's
ideals for pursuing his dreams.
Morrie has a dynamic screen presence, which compels
everyone to listen and learn. Reading his life story
will not have the same impact as seeing it on film,
illustrated by the man himself along with his friends,
family and colleagues. The immediacy of film will serve
to put Morrie “up front and personal.”
My goal in producing this documentary is to air it on
PBS. It is appropriate for public television because the
subject matter has never been explored and is valuable
information to a general audience. In addition, I have
an outreach plan to place the documentary in schools and
libraries.
There is universal appeal for Morrie's story. Unless
there is a language barrier, this documentary will not
be limited geographically. Morrie's story will attract
everyone who has a dream to make a difference with their
talent. Obviously, African Americans will feel a special
sense of pride. We will incorporate the multi-ethnic Wee
Pals characters throughout the documentary-to broaden
the appeal. The characters represent members of 16
different cultural backgrounds. Rainbow Power brings
hope and an important message for our children. Morrie's
story of perseverance will inspire all communities of
colors well as up-and-coming artists will be encouraged
to fulfill their dreams.
The film will renew interest in an updated version of
the "Wee Pals" comic strip as an animated series.
Morrie's life journey of faith and determination will be
available for everyone to benefit for their own voyage
in life.
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