Film Independent’s Fiscal Sponsorship program opens the door to nonprofit funding for independent filmmakers and media artists. Donate today and help bring Cirilo, A Legacy Untold to life.
 

Logline

Born into poverty in Panama, Cirilo McSween defies the systemic racism of Jim Crow America to pursue the American Dream. As an entrepreneur and civil rights activist, he battles prejudice and inequality to become a transformative figure in the histories of Panama and Chicago, inspiring generations across the Americas.

Synopsis

Cirilo, A Legacy Untold shares the remarkable journey of Cirilo McSween, a pioneering entrepreneur and civil rights activist. Born into poverty in Panama, McSween defied the odds and overcame systemic racism in 1950s America to become a trailblazing insurance executive, McDonald’s franchisee, and a trusted ally of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. Narrated by Grammy-winning singer and actress Ann Nesby and featuring rare archival footage alongside interviews with Blanton Canady, Rev. Janette Wilson, and Jeanette Simpson, this inspiring documentary celebrates a legacy of perseverance, leadership, and lasting impact.
 

Meet the Filmmaker

Justin O. Cooper – Director/Producer
Justin O. Cooper is the CEO of JOCMedia & Entertainment, a versatile director, producer, writer, and editor with a talent for compelling storytelling. His career began in human interest and lifestyle journalism, later evolving into expertise in international film production. As a consultant for The Royal Film Commission-Jordan, Cooper has played a pivotal role in attracting major Hollywood productions to the Kingdom of Jordan, contributing to projects such as Aladdin (Walt Disney Studios), Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (Lucasfilm Ltd.), Dune (Legendary Entertainment), and SEAL Team (Paramount+).

In addition to consulting, Cooper produces and edits national TV commercials for Fortune 100 company New York Life Insurance. His earlier experience as a film liaison at Southern Regional Medical Center in Metro Atlanta saw him managing on-location logistics for notable productions like What to Expect When You’re Expecting, Ride Along, Project Almanac, and Being Mary Jane. This foundation in coordinating complex productions cemented his expertise in physical production.

Listed on the Industry Experience Roster with IATSE Local #700 (Motion Picture Editors Guild) as an Assistant Editor, Cooper also develops unscripted and scripted TV series through JOCMedia. He holds certifications in Film and Television Development and has a specialization in Film Editing from UCLA Extension. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from Benedict College.

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Contact

For inquiries, please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.