Bob Hercules is a renowned filmmaker, recipient of a Peabody Award, whose work has been showcased globally on prominent platforms such as PBS, BBC, Discovery Channel, Netflix, Amazon, and television syndication.
His 2016 film, "Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise," is a groundbreaking documentary that premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival and aired on PBS' American Masters series in 2017 and on the BBC's Storyville series in 2017. The film went on to win 19 awards across three continents, including a Peabody Award in 2018.
Hercules has also directed two films about dance: "Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance" and "Bill T. Jones: A Good Man." The Joffrey film, narrated by Mandy Patinkin, tells the comprehensive story of the pioneering ballet company and their numerous triumphs and setbacks. It premiered in January 2012 at the Dance on Camera Film Festival at Lincoln Center. "A Good Man" aired on the PBS series American Masters in 2011 and played at various film festivals, including IDFA, Silverdocs, Full Frame, DOXA, and the Southern Circuit.
His 2009 documentary, "Radical Disciple: The Story of Father Pfleger," chronicles the life of the radical priest who used unconventional methods to combat racism, often putting him at odds with the Catholic hierarchy. The film was named Best Documentary at the 2009 Big Muddy Film Festival and served as the opening night film at the 2009 Black Harvest Film Festival.
In 2008, Hercules co-produced and directed the Barack Obama and Michelle Obama biography videos for Obama's Presidential campaign website. He also co-directed Obama's 2007 Presidential announcement video in Springfield, Illinois. Hercules' 2006 documentary, "Senator Obama Goes to Africa," is a chronicle of Obama's historic 2006 diplomatic trip to Africa, including an emotional visit to Kisumu, Kenya, the homeland of his late father. The film is currently available on home video release from First Run Features.
Hercules' acclaimed 2006 feature documentary, "Forgiving Dr. Mengele," tells the remarkable story of Auschwitz survivor and former 'Mengele twin' Eva Mozes Kor, whose decision to forgive the perpetrators as an act of self-healing sparked a firestorm of controversy. The film won the Special Jury Prize at the 2006 Slamdance Film Festival and the Crystal Heart Award at the 2006 Heartland Film Festival. It is currently available on home video release from First Run Features.
His 1999 documentary, "The Democratic Promise: Saul Alinsky & His Legacy" (narrated by Alec Baldwin),examines the life and legacy of the legendary community organizer, Alinsky, and his enduring impact. The program aired on PBS in 2000. It won Best Documentary at the 1999 Philadelphia International Film Festival, a Special Jury Prize at the 1999 USA Film Festival, and was nominated for an Emmy Award.
Additionally, his narrative short, "The Last Frontier" (a satire of the commercialization of our culture),won Best Dramatic Film at the 2001 IFP Midwest Film Festival and aired on the Independent Film Channel in July 2002.
