My Father: Gordon Parks (1969)
An intimate behind-the-scenes documentary capturing Gordon Parks Sr. at work on his landmark debut feature, narrated by his son.
My Father: Gordon Parks - Movie Information
- Original Title: My Father: Gordon Parks
- Release Year: 1969
- Directed by: Meyer Odze
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary
- Runtime: 27m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Production Companies: Allegro Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
My Father: Gordon Parks - Plot
A documentary made on the set of "The Learning Tree." Narrated by Gordon Parks Jr., and featuring interviews with Gordon Parks Sr. and members of the cast and crew.
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My Father: Gordon Parks - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Meyer Odze
Main Cast
- Gordon Parks Jr.
- Gordon Parks
- Kyle Johnson
- Carole Lamond
- Burnett Guffey
- Estelle Evans
- Mira Waters
Editors
- Joseph Butler
My Father: Gordon Parks - FAQs
What is My Father: Gordon Parks about?
My Father: Gordon Parks is a short 1969 documentary filmed behind the scenes of The Learning Tree, Gordon Parks Sr.'s landmark directorial debut. Narrated by his son Gordon Parks Jr., it blends candid interviews with cast and crew to offer an intimate portrait of a historic filmmaking moment in Black cinema.
What is The Learning Tree's significance to this documentary?
The Learning Tree was the first major Hollywood studio film directed by an African American filmmaker. This documentary captures that groundbreaking production from the inside, making it a rare and valuable record of a pivotal moment in the history of Black cinema and American film.
Who narrates My Father: Gordon Parks?
Gordon Parks Jr. narrates the film, giving it a deeply personal dimension. His perspective as the director's son adds an emotional layer to the behind-the-scenes footage, turning what could have been a standard making-of piece into something far more intimate and reflective.
Who appears in this documentary?
The documentary features Gordon Parks Sr. himself alongside cast members Kyle Johnson, Estelle Evans, and Carole Lamond, as well as cinematographer Burnett Guffey and Mira Waters. Their interviews provide a rich, on-the-ground perspective of what it was like to be part of such a historic production.
Is My Father: Gordon Parks worth watching?
Absolutely, especially for fans of film history and Black cinema. At just 27 minutes, it's a concise yet deeply rewarding look at Gordon Parks Sr. at work. The combination of personal narration, candid interviews, and rare on-set footage makes it a compelling historical document.
Who directed My Father: Gordon Parks?
Meyer Odze directed this short documentary for Allegro Films. While Odze steps behind the camera here, the real creative force at the center of the film is Gordon Parks Sr., whose directorial vision on The Learning Tree serves as the documentary's entire subject and inspiration.
What are similar documentaries to this film?
If you enjoy this kind of intimate behind-the-scenes filmmaking, you might also like Lost in La Mancha (2002), The Director and the Jedi (2018), The Kid Stays in the Picture (2002), or The Matrix Revisited (2001). Each offers a compelling look at the creative process from the inside.
How long is My Father: Gordon Parks?
The film runs just 27 minutes, making it a short documentary rather than a feature-length work. That brevity is part of its charm — it delivers a focused, intimate portrait of Gordon Parks Sr. on set without overstaying its welcome.
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