Jonathan Thunder: Good Mythology
Filmmaker Sergio Rapu follows Anishinaabe artist Jonathan Thunder as he dives deep into the inspirations behind his surrealist paintings and animations. From the killing of an iconic American hero to critical perspectives of how indigenous people were portrayed in early children’s cartoons, Thunder’s art prompts viewers to take a critical look at our shared mythologies.
Episodes
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In The Making
S37 E3 - 1h 51m
Follow two performers as they break down barriers in music. Opera singer J’Nai Bridges takes the stage in “A Knee on the Neck,” a choral tribute to George Floyd. Country artist Rissi Palmer redefines success as she works on her latest album, while uplifting other artists of color in the Americana genres.
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Dr. Tony Fauci
S37 E2 - 1h 53m
Follow Dr. Anthony Fauci as he grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic and his 50-year career as the nation’s leading public health advocate. American Masters: Dr. Tony Fauci reveals a rarely seen side of the physician, husband and father as he confronts political backlash, a new administration and questions of the future.
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Roberta Flack
S37 E1 - 1h 23m
Follow music icon Roberta Flack from a piano lounge through her rise to stardom. From “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” to “Killing Me Softly,” Flack’s virtuosity was inseparable from her commitment to civil rights. Detailing her story in her own words, the film features exclusive access to Flack’s archives and interviews with Rev. Jesse Jackson, Peabo Bryson and more.
Extras + Features
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The nomadic life of an opera singer
S37 E3 - 2m 38s
J'Nai Bridges meets with the Young Artists of Washington National Opera to talk about the pros, the cons and some of the loneliness surrounding life as an opera singer. "Opera singers are truly nomads," said J'Nai.
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Preparing for a final opera performance
S37 E3 - 3m 5s
In this outtake from "J'Nai Bridges Unamplified," J'Nai prepares for her final appearance in "Written in Stone" at the Kennedy Center. The following day would be another momentous day for her, her world premiere in Adolphus Hailstork's "A Knee on the Neck." "It's been such a journey and as much as it is kind of sad to finish, I feel like a different person in a way."
-
In The Making
S37 E3 - 3m 53s
Follow two performers as they break down barriers in music. Opera singer J’Nai Bridges takes the stage in “A Knee on the Neck,” a choral tribute to George Floyd. Country artist Rissi Palmer redefines success as she works on her latest album, while uplifting other artists of color in the Americana genres.
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The history of Black artists in country music
S37 E3 - 2m 20s
Black musicians have always had a place in the history of country music, despite the music industry's push to label white folk music as hillbilly music, and Black folk music as "race records." "Black people that have succeeded in this industry succeeded in spite of that," said Andrea Williams, author and journalist.
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How Dr. Fauci handled the AIDS crisis
S37 E2 - 4m 34s
Dr. Fauci's response to the AIDS crisis in the 1980s was first widely criticized by LGBTQIA+ activists. "We wanted treatment because we were sick ... And that's what led us to you," said AIDS activist David Barr. However, in later years he became a widely respected ally, eventually developing lifelong friendships with the activists.
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Dr. Fauci on retiring
S37 E2 - 2m 2s
Dr. Anthony Fauci sits down with his wife, Dr. Christine Grady, to discuss retiring from his positions as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and chief medical advisor to the president.
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Dr. Fauci's security
S37 E2 - 1m 46s
Since the spring of 2020, Dr. Fauci has had 24/7 security. You feel like you have to be aware all the time that there's a possible danger," said his wife, Dr. Christine Grady.
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Dr. Tony Fauci
S37 E2 - 2m 18s
Follow Dr. Anthony Fauci as he grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic and his 50-year career as the nation’s leading public health advocate. American Masters: Dr. Tony Fauci reveals a rarely seen side of the physician, husband and father as he confronts political backlash, a new administration and questions of the future.
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Dr. Fauci visits D.C. to battle vaccine hesistancy
S37 E2 - 7m 2s
Dr. Fauci and Muriel Bowser, mayor of D.C., visit the neighborhood of Anacostia and go door-to-door, encouraging residents to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and combating vaccine hesistancy.
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Roberta Flack was a child piano prodigy
S37 E1 - 2m 9s
Growing up, Roberta Flack was known as a musical prodigy who "could play anything" on the piano. She grew up in the church, where her mother was an organist, and started studying classical piano repertoire at just nine years old.
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How Roberta Flack created soul with "getting-togetherness"
S37 E1 - 2m 43s
Songwriter Les McCann described seeing Roberta Flack perform with all of that "getting-togetherness," referencing the soulful and central quality of Black music. "The concept of soul was really this attempt to recreate what was particular about being Black in America. This experience of struggle and resilience and pride," said author and cultural critic Emily Lordi.
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Roberta Flack
S37 E1 - 36s
American Masters: Roberta Flack follows the music icon from a piano lounge through her rise to stardom. From “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” to “Killing Me Softly,” Flack’s virtuosity was inseparable from her commitment to civil rights. Detailing her story in her own words, the film features exclusive access to Flack’s archives and interviews with Rev. Jesse Jackson, Peabo Bryson and more.
Schedule
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Image
American Masters
Roberta Flack
Friday
Mar 31
1 Hour 30 Minutes
The life and career of Grammy Award-winning singer Roberta Flack, including her commitment to civil rights. -
Image
American Masters
Roberta Flack
Friday
Mar 31
1 Hour 30 Minutes
The life and career of Grammy Award-winning singer Roberta Flack, including her commitment to civil rights. -
Image
American Masters
Roberta Flack
Saturday
Apr 1
1 Hour 30 Minutes
The life and career of Grammy Award-winning singer Roberta Flack, including her commitment to civil rights.
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