Production - Southern Lens

by Dana Sardet and the College of Charleston Center for Documentary.

America’s oldest African-inspired art is the subject of this exciting new film—a visual feast that captures the skill, artistry, and history embodied in the tradition of coiled grass basketry. We follow basket makers of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, as they harvest materials, create their baskets, and talk about the meaning of their work. From field to market, this half-hour documentary explores the current state of the art and its prospects for the future. This film accompanies a traveling exhibition entitled Grass Roots: African Origins of an American Art that will be on display through November 30, 2008, at the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston.

Produced by the Center for the Documentary, College of Charleston, in association with the Avery Research Center for African American History & Culture and the Museum for African Art in New York. Director/videographer/editor: Dana Sardet, Executive producer: Virginia T. Friedman, Original music composed by Quentin Baxter with gospel songs by We Be Brethren, Gullah Kinfolk, and the Staple Singers; Community advisors: Henrietta Snype and Nakia Wigfall, Consulting historian: Dale Rosengarten

Funding provided by :
Henry & Sylvia Yaschik Foundation, Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, Humanities CouncilSC, South Carolina Arts Commission, South Carolina National Heritage Corridor

Sincere thanks to the Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Festival Association for help and encouragement.

TV Air Date: Thursday - September 18, 2008 at 10:00 p.m.