Full Film: Grit & Grace: The Fight for the American Dream (Title 2:34, Graphics ongoing throughout)

Trailer: Grit & Grace: The Fight for the American Dream, Trailer

Art Direction & Title Design for Documentary Film

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Grit & Grace: The Fight for the American Dream is a groundbreaking documentary-style film produced by the 117th Congress's House Select Committee on Economic Disparity and Fairness in Growth and directed by Oscar Guerra. Narrated by EMMY® award-winning actress Sarah Jessica Parker, this pioneering film tells three compelling true stories from across the country, each illustrating the varied paths Americans take to achieve economic security and the challenges they encounter along the way.

In my role as Art Director and Designer, I was deeply involved in shaping the visual identity of text within the film. I designed the logo and title, animated the title sequence, and established the overall brand identity for the documentary’s graphics. This involved creating a cohesive visual language that seamlessly integrated the film’s themes and messages. Additionally, I supervised a student who further implemented these graphics, including the lower thirds and interstitial graphics, ensuring consistency and professional quality throughout the project.

The film premiered at the National Archives in Washington, DC, marking a significant milestone in the national conversation about economic disparity and growth. By highlighting the resilience and determination of individuals striving for the American Dream, Grit & Grace provides a poignant and insightful look into the diverse experiences of economic security in America.

SCREENINGS

2023 Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, Housatonic Community College, Bridgeport, CT.  Invited Screening.  

2023 NYUAD Institute, New York University, New York, NY.  Invited Screening.

2023 Human Rights Institute/Dodd Impact, UConn Stamford, Stamford, CT.  Invited Screening.

2023 Yale Law School/Tsai Leadership Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT. 

Invited Screening.

2023 Garde Arts Center, Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, New  London, CT.  Invited Screening. 

2022 Greenberg Theater, American University, Washington, DC.

Invited Screening. 

2022 Premiere at the National Archives, Washington, DC. Invited Screening.  (3.5K views) December 13, 2022  

RELATED PRESS

Congress produces its first-ever documentary, and it's on the economy, Morning Joe/MSNBC. 

House Committee to Release First-of-its-Kind Documentary on Economic Equality, Washington Post

Documenting the American Dream: In First-of-its-Kind Project, UConn Professor Directs Film for U.S. Congressional Committee, UConn Today, January 5, 2023

New documentary focuses on families facing economic hardship, Westfair Business Journal. December 19, 2022

‘American Dream’ struggles explored by panel led by Himes, Westpoort Journal.  Dec 18, 2022

A Congressional Committee’s Film Makes the Case for Economic Policy, The New York Times. Dec. 14, 2022

A new documentary about economic hardship comes from an unlikely auteur: Congress, Marketplace Morning Report. December 7, 2022

Congress dives into documentary filmmaking, debuts film narrated by Sarah Jessica Parker, The Washington Times. December 2, 2022

INTELLECTUAL IMPACT & MERIT

Intellectual Merit

"Grit & Grace: The Fight for the American Dream" as a film exemplifies significant intellectual merit through its innovative approach to addressing economic disparity and the diverse paths individuals take to achieve economic security in America, and the visual communication system I designed for the film helped audiences navigate through its narrative. As the Art Director and Designer, my contributions to the visual narrative of the film—designing the graphics system and title design, animating the title sequence, and establishing the overall brand identity—enhanced the storytelling by providing a cohesive and engaging visual experience. This documentary, directed by Oscar Guerra and narrated by EMMY® award-winning actress Sarah Jessica Parker, captures the resilience and determination of Americans, offering a profound insight into the socio-economic challenges faced by many.

Impact

The impact of "Grit & Grace" is far-reaching, as it has been screened at prestigious venues and institutions, reaching a diverse audience across various platforms. The documentary premiered at the National Archives in Washington, DC, and has since been shown at several key locations, each contributing to its broad exposure. The screenings at these notable institutions have collectively reached thousands of viewers, fostering important discussions about economic disparity and the varied experiences of Americans in their pursuit of economic security. The premiere at the National Archives alone garnered 3.5K views on YouTube, further amplifying the film’s reach and impact.

Given the range of venues and the significant online viewership, the documentary has effectively engaged a wide audience, including students, educators, policymakers, and community members. The inclusion of the film in educational settings like Yale University, New York University, and UConn Stamford highlights its value as a teaching tool and a catalyst for academic discussions on economic disparity and social justice.

By creating a visually compelling narrative that complements the film’s powerful stories, my work as the Art Director and Designer has contributed to the documentary’s ability to resonate with and inspire its audience. The project's success is evident in its broad dissemination and the meaningful conversations it continues to inspire about economic fairness and growth in America. Through its screenings and the related publication and recognition, "Grit & Grace" has made a significant impact on raising awareness and fostering understanding of critical socio-economic issues.