About Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am (2019)

Explore:

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music
• Soundtrack

About

Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am is a 2019 documentary film directed by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders. The documentary explores the life and artistry of the acclaimed American novelist Toni Morrison. Known for her powerful and thought-provoking works, Morrison has made a significant impact on the literary world.

The documentary delves into Morrison's childhood in Ohio, her education at Howard University, and her career as a writer and editor at Random House. It examines the themes and social issues she addresses in her novels, such as race, gender, and identity. Through interviews with Morrison herself and other prominent figures, the film provides insights into her creative process and the inspirations behind her works.

Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am also highlights the widespread influence of Morrison's writing, with testimonials from writers, scholars, and cultural icons. It offers a comprehensive exploration of Morrison's legacy as a writer and her contributions to American literature.

Making / Production

The documentary was directed by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, a renowned photographer and filmmaker. Greenfield-Sanders collaborated with Morrison to create an intimate and revealing portrait of her life and work.

The filming process involved extensive interviews with Morrison, as well as discussions with her family, friends, and colleagues. Archival footage and photographs were also used to contextualize Morrison's narrative.

Actors

• Toni Morrison - Portrays herself, providing personal insights and reflections.
• Angela Davis - Offers commentary on Morrison's cultural impact.
• Walter Mosley - Discusses Morrison's influence on his own writing.
• Farah Jasmine Griffin - Provides literary analysis and context.
• Sonia Sanchez - Discusses the significance of Morrison's work in the context of African American literature.
• Russell Banks - Reflects on his friendship and professional relationship with Morrison.
• Robert Gottlieb - Former editor-in-chief of Knopf discusses working with Morrison.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The title of the documentary is derived from one of Morrison's essays, "The Site of Memory."
• Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival.
• The documentary received critical acclaim for its insightful portrayal of Morrison's life and work.
• Toni Morrison personally selected the director, Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, to helm the project.

Awards

Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am has received several awards and nominations, including:

• Winner of the Audience Award at the AFI DOCS Film Festival.
• Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize - Best Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival.
• Winner of the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Documentary Film.

Quotes

• "The function of freedom is to free someone else." - Toni Morrison
• "You wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down." - Toni Morrison
• "I tell my students, 'When you get these jobs that you have been so brilliantly trained for, just remember that your real job is that if you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else." - Toni Morrison

Music

The documentary features an original score composed by Kathryn Bostic. The music enhances the emotional impact of the film and complements the storytelling.

Soundtrack

• Composer: Kathryn Bostic
• Track 1: "Opening Theme"
• Track 2: "Childhood Memories"
• Track 3: "Writing Breakthrough"
• Track 4: "Influence and Inspiration"
• Track 5: "Literary Impact"