DocLands - Drawn Together: Comics, Diversity and Stereotypes

Drawn Together: Comics, Diversity and Stereotypes looks at the pervasive culture of racist stereotyping in U.S. society through the lens of comics and their dynamic creators.

With a lively backdrop of superheroes, comic books, and animated comics, this documentary brings together three talented artists—a Sikh (Vishavjit Singh), a woman (Eileen Kaur Alden), and an African American (Keith Knight)—who are challenging the racist stereotyping currently endemic in America through their work.

Expert commentary is provided by Professor Arvind Singhal, Clinton Foundation Fellow and a world expert in Entertainment Education; Andrew Farago, Curator of San Francisco Cartoon Museum; and Adam Elrashidi, a producer at Al Jazeera; who collectively tie the story together and share how change in stereotype culture can be brought about by changing stories.

They share their thoughts on the impact of these artists work in bringing a groundswell movement on how we look at racial identity, gender biases and other stereotypes that are well entrenched in our society.

IN PERSON:  Director Harleen Singh, Editor Tal Skloot, Film Subjects Keith Knight and Eileen Kaur Alden

Also screening: Mr. Fish: Cartooning From The Deep End

The editorial cartoonist known as Mr. Fish pushes hard against various sanctities, offering oft-excoriating sociopolitical commentary with a sharp originality both visual and intellectual.  But with two growing daughters, household debt, and a loyal but weary working wife who insists “It’s time to step up and grow up,” he may have to compromise the purity of his vision to make a steady buck.

IN PERSON:  Director Pablo Bryant, Producer Ted Collins, Film Subject Dwayne Booth