"As the director, producer, writer, and editor of CIRILO, A Legacy Untold, I set out to share the remarkable life of Cirilo McSween, a Panamanian trailblazer, athlete, diplomat, and businessman whose journey connects the Americas. The film is a tribute to perseverance and purpose, exploring how one man’s work helped shape both history and opportunity. Every frame was created with intention, striking a balance between emotional truth and historical accuracy to honor a legacy that deserves recognition."
JUSTIN O. COOPER
Director/Producer
CIRILO, A Legacy Untold
NFMLA Stage 5 Filmmaker Interview:
Justin O. Cooper
This interview, conducted by NewFilmmakers Los Angeles Stage 5 and hosted by Carolyn McDonald, was presented by MovieMaker Magazine in partnership with FilmLA. In the conversation, Justin O. Cooper reflects on the development of Cirilo, A Legacy Untold, from early concept through completion, sharing insight into the creative process, pitching strategy, and responsibilities involved in telling overlooked historical stories with clarity and intention.
CIRILO Q&A at Pan African Film Festival 2026
Following the premiere screening of CIRILO, A Legacy Untold at the 34th Pan African Film Festival in Culver City, filmmaker Justin O. Cooper participates in a live Q&A reflecting on purpose, process, and long-term vision. Click here or the image above to view the Q&A session at PAFF.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
Justin O. Cooper is the founder and principal of JOCMedia + Entertainment,
a Los Angeles–based creative services agency and production company with a global footprint. A multi-hyphenate producer, writer, editor, and emerging director, Cooper brings a background in journalism and a deep commitment to human-centered storytelling across film, television, and strategic media initiatives, spanning development through distribution.
His work bridges creative execution and strategic engagement. Cooper has advised international film commissions and production partners on positioning global locations for Hollywood, most notably as a consultant to the Royal Film Commission – Jordan, supporting outreach and facilitation for major studio productions. His experience includes collaborating with leading global studios across development, production support, and post-production.
Cooper is the director and producer of CIRILO, A Legacy Untold, an award-winning, Oscar-qualified documentary short and NAACP Image Award nominee for Outstanding Short Form Documentary (Film). The film won Best Documentary Short at the San Antonio Black International Film Festival and has screened at festivals in the United States and internationally.
In addition to film and television, Cooper has an extensive background in music and entertainment. He is a recipient of an ASCAP Plus Award for songwriting collaborations with Grammy-winning artists, including Tom Scott and Ann Nesby.
Cooper graduated with honors from Benedict College with a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and holds UCLA Extension certifications in Film & Television Development and Film Editing. He is a member of Film Independent and the International Documentary Association and is listed on the IATSE Motion Picture Editors Guild Local 700 Industry Experience Roster as an Assistant Editor. He is also a member of the Sons of the American Legion, Hollywood Post 43.