Bob Hercules, cont.

His 2013 film, “Perseverance: The Story of Dr. Billy Taylor,” tells the inspiring story of a former University of Michigan football star, his descent into alcoholism, drugs and homelessness and then his amazing resurrection. The film premiered at Ann Arbor’s venerable Michigan Theater in 2012 and was broadcast on the Big Ten Network in 2012/13.

Hercules’ 2009 documentary, “Radical Disciple: The Story of Father Pfleger,” chronicles the controversial priest and how his political activism has brought him into conflict with Catholic hierarchy. The film premiered at the 2009 Black Harvest Film Festival in Chicago and won Best Documentary at the 2010 Big Muddy Film Festival.

In 2006 Hercules and MPG co-owner Keith Walker made the film “Senator Obama Goes to Africa,”—a chronicle of the then-Senator’s momentous 2006 diplomatic trip to Africa including an emotional visit to his late father’s homeland near Kisumu, Kenya. The film also includes stops at the infamous Robben Island prison in Capetown, South Africa and a Darfur refugee camp in Eastern Chad. It is now in home video release from First Run Features.

Hercules’ 2006 documentary is “Forgiving Dr. Mengele” (co-produced with Cheri Pugh). The film is a portrait of Auschwitz survivor and former ‘Mengele twin’ Eva Mozes Kor, the transformation that led her to forgive the Nazi perpetrators to heal herself, and the controversy it sparked. The film won the Special Jury Prize at the 2006 Slamdance Film Festival.

In 2001 Hercules completed a short narrative film he also wrote, “The Last Frontier.” The film was named Best Dramatic Film at the 2001 IFP Midwest Film Festival. It aired on IFC from 2002-2005.

Bob is a hopeless White Sox baseball fan and tennis fanatic. He dreams of someday having a rest area named after him.

DOCUMENTARY CREDITS

• 2020- “Mikva! Democracy is a Verb”—chronicles the life and legacy of former Congressman, Federal Judge and liberal icon, Abner Mikva.  Broadcast on PBS in 2020.

• 2018- “The Gate: Dawn of the Baha’i Faith”—tells the story of the origins of the Baha’i Faith in 1840’s Persia.  Broadcast on over 100 ABC stations and shown worldwide.

• 2016- “Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise”—the first film about the legendary wrter/performer/activist.  Broadcast on PBS’ American Masters in 2017 and on BBC’s Storyville in 2017.  Winner of 17 film festival awards on 3 continents

• 2012- “Perseverance: Billy Taylor Story”—Documentary about the remarkable rise, fall and resurrection of  the famed Univ. of Michigan football star. Broadcast on Big Ten Network.

• 2011- “Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance”—the first documentary to tell the full story of America’s renowned dance company.  Broadcast on PBS’ American Masters.

• 2010- “Bill T. Jones: A Good Man”—feature documentary about acclaimed choreographer.  Broadcast on PBS’ American Masters.

• 2009- “Radical Disciple: The Story of Father Pfleger”—feature documentary about the radical priest and his fight for justice.  Premiered at the Black Harvest Film Festival.

• 2007- “Senator Obama Goes to Africa”—a chronicle of the then-Senator’s diplomatic trip to Africa including his momentous visit to his father’s home village in Kenya.

• 2006-“Forgiving Dr. Mengele”—A feature documentary about Auschwitz survivor and former ‘Mengele twin’ Eva Kor, whose decision to forgive the perpetrators caused a firestorm of criticism.  Special Jury Prize, 2006 Slamdance Film Festival.

•  1999-“The Democratic Promise: Saul Alinsky & His Legacy” (PBS)—one-hour documentary about the famed community organizer and his modern-day legacy.  Narrated by Alec Baldwin.  Co-Director, Co-Producer, Co-Writer.

• 1999-“Songkeepers:  The Native American Flute Tradition”—one-hour documentary examining the resurgence of the Native American Flute featuring renowned flute player R. Carlos Nakai.  Narrated by Rita Coolidge.  Director, Co-Writer.

• 1995-“America’s Great Indian Nations” (The Learning Channel)—one-hour documentary about 6 of the most celebrated American Indian nations.  Distributed on home video by Questar Video.  Co-Director, Co-Writer, Director of Photography.

• 1992-“It’s a Mall, Mall World” (PBS)—one-hour program examining the phenomenon of indoor shopping malls (part of the PBS series “The 90’s) Program Producer, Director, Co-Writer.

• 1991-“Did they Buy It?” —45-minute documentary shot on location in Nicaragua about that country’s momentous 1990 National Elections—Best Documentary 1992 Big Muddy Film Festival; Gold Plaque 1992 Chicago International Film Festival,

CORPORATE & EDUCATIONAL CREDITS

• Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC) series of non-profit profiles, 2020

• WNET/Wallace Foundation, profiles of Seattle Symphony Orchestra and 

• Austin Ballet, 2016-18

• Blue Cross & Blue Shield, web video series, 2014-15

• AAR Corporation, marketing videos for global aviation firm, 2014

• Ravinia Festival, 30 minute film about their music academy, 2013

• Chicago Symphony Orchestra, web videos, 2011-present

• University of Chicago Booth School of Business, “Mike Harper Tribute,” 2008
  Agency: Lipman Hearne

• University of Iowa Hospitals, “Life Lessons,” 2007
  Agency: Storandt Pann Margolis

• Motorola, “From Labs to Life”, 2006
  Agency: Symmetri Marketing Group

AWARDS & FESTIVALS

• Sundance Film Festival—Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise,  2016

• AFI Docs—Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise, Audience Choice, 2016

• Encounters Film Festival (South Africa)—Maya Angelou, Best Documentary, 2016

• Big Muddy Film Festival—Radical Disciple, Best Documentary, 2010

• Slamdance Film Festival—Forgiving Dr. Mengele, Special Jury Prize, 2006

• Worldfest Houston—The Democratic Promise, Bronze Award, 2000

• IFP Flyover Zone Short Film Festival—The  Last Frontier, Best Dramatic Film, 2001

• USA Film & Video Festival—The Democratic Promise, Special Jury Prize, 1999

• Philadelphia Int’l Film Festival—The Democratic Promise, Best Documentary, 1999

• Illinois Festival of Film/Video Artists—Stoney Does Houston, Best of the Festival, 1994

• Chicago Int’l Film Festival—Did They Buy It?, Gold Plaque, 1991