Master of Light - trailer

Master of Light

documentary Feature

“Master of Light is a beautifully rendered portrait of an artist, and a testament to Black resilience. When I met director Rosa Ruth Boesten in Amsterdam, I immediately realized that she is an incredible new talent, who’s poetic and lyrical storytelling will touch your heart and soul. I’m so happy that One Story Up can support unique, underrepresented, queer voices like hers.”

Roger Ross Williams, producer

George Anthony Morton

Master of Light

The artist

George Anthony Morton is a classical painter who spent ten years in federal prison for dealing drugs. While incarcerated, he nurtured his craft and unique artistic ability.

Since his release, he is doing everything he can to defy society’s unlevel playing field and tackle the white-dominant art world.

Master of Light: Treshon on leaves

Master of Light

Facing his demons

George faces his demons when he returns to his hometown, Kansas City. He does so by painting his family members. He paints his mother whom he has a troubled relationship with; his 11-year-old nephew who is a reflection of George’s younger self and he paints a self-portrait. 

By painting these portraits, can George heal himself and create a better outcome for the next generation?

Master of Light

The realist

Going back forces George to face his past in his quest to rewrite the script of his life.

Diving deeper into his soul with every brushstroke, George shines a bright light on racial injustice; on the intergenerational trauma that, inescapably, comes with it.

What emerges is a deeply personal tour de force, and a powerful, positive portrait of someone who society had discarded.

Master of Light

The film

Master of Light made its world premiere at SXSW, in March 2022, and won the Grand Jury Prize. It also won the McBaine Documentary Feature Award at the San Francisco International Film Festival, Best First Feature at Sheffield Doc/Fest, and Best First Feature (City of Utrecht Award) at the Netherlands Film Festival.

Master of Light is an exquisitely shot debut film by Rosa Ruth Boesten, a talented young director from Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Rosa made the film in close collaboration with the artist, George Anthony Morton.  The film is produced by Roger Ross Williams, Anousha Nzume and Ilja Roomans. 

The film has been independently funded and was produced by One Story Up. HBO Documentary Films has acquired worldwide television and streaming rights to Master of Light.

Master of Light

Credits

A film by ROSA RUTH BOESTEN & GEORGE ANTHONY MORTON
Produced by VULCAN PRODUCTIONS and ONE STORY UP
In collaboration with DOCMAKERS
Director ROSA RUTH BOESTEN
Produced by ROGER ROSS WILLIAMS, ANOUSHA NZUME, ILJA ROOMANS
Executive Producer GEOFF MARTZ
Executive Producer JODY ALLEN
Executive Producer RUTH JOHNSTON, ROCKY COLLINGS, JANNAT GARGI
Cinematographer JURGEN LISSE
Second Cinematographer ROSA RUTH BOESTEN
Editor EPHRAIM KIRKWOOD
Consulting Editor ENAT SIDI
Assistant Editor FRANCESCA SHARPER
Sound Recordist CLIFTON DUMAS
Music GARY GUNN
Sound Design MIKE FRANK
Grading BARRY CLARKE

Master of Light - trailer

Be realistic, plan for miracles.”

Rosa Ruth Boesten, Director

Praise for Master of Light

The team

Rosa Ruth Boesten
Director
Roger Ross Williams
Producer

Anousha Nzume
Producer
Ilja Roomans
Producer
Jurgen Lisse
Cinematography
Ephraim Kirkwood
Editor
Francesca Sharper
Assistant Editor
Enat Sidi
Consulting Editor

Gary Gunn
Composer

Clifton Dumas
Sound Recordist
Master of Light - awards and press

“Isn’t it obvious there was some beauty in the ugliness of all of this?”

George Anthony Morton