Master of Light

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Master of Light

Released Nov 4, 2022

1h 23m

Documentary

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100%

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15 Reviews

77%

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

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. Now, he is on a journey back to his hometown of Kansas City, where he tries to heal the broken relationship with his mother and paint family members in the style of the Dutch Old Masters. Going back home forces George to face his past in his quest to rewrite the script of his life and discover the contribution of African influences to the realist tradition.

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Noel Murray

Los Angeles Times

This quietly moving movie examines how the right opportunities or the wrong expectations can make all the difference in who a person becomes.

Nov 18, 2022

Full Review

Matt Fagerholm

RogerEbert.com

Boesten’s picture leaves viewers contemplating all that they have been unwilling to forgive, and all that could be achieved once that baggage has been thrust from their shoulders.

Rated: 3.5/4

Nov 17, 2022

Full Review

John Anderson

Wall Street Journal

As local news goes, it’s a producer’s dream. As documentary film fodder, it’s not bad either.

Nov 16, 2022

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Marya E. Gates

Cool People Have Feelings, Too. (Substack)

Boesten has a delicate touch as she explores socio-economic realities, inescapable cycles of trauma, and mental health through the lens of Morton’s life and art.

Feb 13, 2024

Full Review

Steve Murray

ArtsATL

There’s hard-won power when Morton instructs his young nephew to write, “I am not what has happened to me; I am what I choose to become.”

Dec 5, 2022

Full Review

John Serba

Decider

Although Boesten stresses intimacy, she also isn’t afraid to follow the logic of George’s story into larger topical areas; the film becomes a pointed criticism of systemic racism in America...

Nov 18, 2022

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Jared S

Beautiful documentary and incredibly talented artist.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/14/23

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Suzanne L

Master of Light is a raw and heartwarming account of a young man's amazing journey home. The darkness of his childhood led him to an eleven year prison sentence where he discovered and nurtured his ability to paint. He studied and mastered the techniques of Rembrandt. 💯💯💯 Worth the watch

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/05/23

Full Review

John W

speaking truth to power. an honest look at the system we live in that creates patterns, modalities that most can not escape from; and the burden to do something about it for those who do. knowledge is power.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/25/22

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Rosa Boesten

Director

George Anthony Morton

Self

Roger Ross Williams

Producer

Anousha Nzume

Producer

Ilja Roomans

Producer

Jurgen Lisse

Cinematographer

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Synopsis

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. Now, he is on a journey back to his hometown of Kansas City, where he tries to heal the broken relationship with his mother and paint family members in the style of the Dutch Old Masters. Going back home forces George to face his past in his quest to rewrite the script of his life and discover the contribution of African influences to the realist tradition.

Director: Rosa Boesten
Producer: Roger Ross Williams, Anousha Nzume, Ilja Roomans
Distributor: HBO Max
Production Co: Docmakers , Vulcan Productions, One Story Up Productions
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 4, 2022, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 16, 2022
Runtime: 1h 23m

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