shaun conrad: documentary

Purvis Of Overtown Poster
Purvis of Overtown
A Film by David Raccuglia and Shaun Conrad

After a stint in Raiford State Prison for a breaking and entering charge, Purvis Young seemed destined to fail. Yet while in prison, Purvis taught himself to paint. Purvis became a highly acclaimed contemporary artist, now recognized nationally as an icon of African American culture and history. Purvis paints simply because that’s what he needs to do.

Awards

Audience Award - Florida Film Festival
Best Documentary - San Luis Obispo Film Festival
Best in Show - San Luis Obispo Film Festival
Best Film on Art - Mendocino Film Festival
Best Documentary/Honorable Mention - Ojai Film Festival

Official Selection

Miami International Film Festival
Full Frame Film Festival
Big Sky Film Festival
Denver International Film Festival
Florida Film Festival
The Other Venice Film Festival
Memphis Film Festival
Sarasota Film Festival
Beverly Hills Film Festival
Nashville Film Festival
East Lansing Film Festival
Boulder International Film Festival
Malibu International Film Festival
Durango Film Festival
Kongsberg Jazz Festival
Provincetown International Film Festival
The Indie Gathering
NY International Film Festival

Press

"A self-taught painter, Young’s colorful canvases reflect life in the shattered community of Overtown. Through extensive interviews with the artist, his friends and colleagues, as well as through archival footage of Young and Overtown through the years, Shaun Conrad and David Raccuglia, present an intimate examination of the life and work of Young."
- Biscayne Boulevard Times

"He paints naked, very pregnant women from life in his darkened studio. He sketches while in a hospital bed. This documentary leaves us with admiration for Young's persistence..." -Miami Herald