NEWS

Six-Time Grammy Nominee and Two-Time Grammy Winner Ann Nesby Narrates Oscar-Qualified Documentary Short “CIRILO, A Legacy Untold,” Honoring Civil Rights and Global Diplomacy Hidden Figure Cirilo McSween

The film is fiscally sponsored by Film Independent and produced under Cooper’s Los Angeles-based banner JOCMedia & Entertainment; in contention for the Academy Awards, IDA Documentary Awards, and NAACP Image Awards

LOS ANGELES, CA – [November 11, 2025] Six-time Grammy nominee and two-time Grammy winner Ann Nesby, the powerhouse vocalist and former lead singer of the Grammy-winning group Sounds of Blackness, lends her voice and star power to CIRILO, A Legacy Untold, an Oscar-qualified documentary short produced, written, directed, and edited by Justin O. Cooper under his Los Angeles-based banner JOCMedia & Entertainment.

Now in consideration for the Academy Awards, IDA Documentary Awards, and NAACP Image Awards, the film marks Cooper’s directorial debut and continues his long-standing creative partnership with Nesby. The two recently collaborated on ANNiversary, Nesby’s first album in 11 years, released in April 2025, where Cooper served as art director. The album’s lead single “My Man” charted on Billboard’s Hot R&B Airplay at No. 29.

Nesby, also known for her acclaimed acting roles in The Fighting Temptations (Paramount) and Queen Sugar (OWN), serves as narrator and executive producer for the documentary short.

CIRILO revisits the extraordinary life of Cirilo McSween, a Panamanian immigrant, businessman, and civil-rights financier whose journey bridged the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and Panama’s fight for sovereignty. McSween, a confidant to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rev. Jesse Jackson, and General Omar Torrijos, played a pivotal role in both the struggle for racial equality and the Torrijos–Carter Treaties, which returned control of the Panama Canal to his homeland. The film also highlights his groundbreaking success as the first Black insurance agent with New York Life Insurance in 1957 and later as a record-setting McDonald’s franchisee, whose Chicago restaurant became the top-grossing McDonald’s in the United States in 1983.

Following its Oscar-qualifying theatrical run at Atlanta’s Tara Theatre, CIRILO won Best Documentary Short at the San Antonio Black International Film Festival and has been selected for the Diversity in Cannes Short Film & Webseries Showcase (France), NewFilmmakers Los Angeles DocuSlate 2025, and the Seattle Latino Film Festival.

“This story embodies the kind of global legacy I want to amplify through film,” said Justin O. Cooper. “Cirilo McSween’s journey reflects perseverance, faith, and cultural connection, and his impact reaches far beyond borders.”

Nesby contributes the original anthem “We Rise” featuring Sounds of Blackness (co-written with producer and musician Cedric ‘Ced Keyz’ Williams (Gnarls Barkley) and serves as Executive Producer. Emmy winner Maverick ‘Baby T’ Turner served as the film’s sound designer and composer, contributing the original track “ICON.”

“When Justin shared this story, I felt an instant connection,” said Ann Nesby. “Cirilo’s legacy deserves to be celebrated worldwide, and lending my voice to honor his journey was deeply personal.”

The film is fiscally sponsored by Film Independent, where Cooper is a member, and he is also a member of the International Documentary Association (IDA).

Before founding JOCMedia, Cooper served as a film liaison in Metro Atlanta, providing production support on major studio projects, including Ride Along and What to Expect When You’re Expecting, through Southern Regional Medical Center. These efforts generated over $500,000 in location revenue for the hospital’s foundation. He now serves as a film liaison for The Royal Film Commission – Jordan, promoting the Kingdom’s incentive program and assisting international productions, including Aladdin, Star Wars: Episode IX, Dune: Part One, and SEAL Team (Season 6).

###

CIRILO, A LEGACY UNTOLD, Wins Best Documentary Short

at the San Antonio Black International Film Festival (SABIFF) 2025

LOS ANGELES, CA (OCT. 10, 2025) — CIRILO, A Legacy Untold, the Oscar-qualified documentary short narrated and executive produced by two-time Grammy winner Ann Nesby, has been awarded Best Documentary Short at the San Antonio Black International Film Festival (SABIFF) 2025.

Produced, directed, and written by Justin O. Cooper under JOCMedia & Entertainment, the 26-minute film continues to earn recognition for its powerful portrayal of Panamanian-born entrepreneur and civil rights advocate Cirilo McSween, a close confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The win at SABIFF adds to the film’s growing festival success, which includes selections at Diversity in Cannes, Freedom Festival International, Detroit Black Film Festival, and the Seattle Latino Film Festival.

“This honor celebrates Cirilo’s legacy of perseverance and service,” said Cooper. “It’s inspiring to see his story resonate so deeply across audiences.”

Following its theatrical run at Atlanta’s Tara Theatre during Black History Month, CIRILO, A Legacy Untold is now in consideration for the IDA Documentary Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and the Academy Awards®.

###

Documentary CIRILO, A Legacy Untold, submitted for NAACP Image Awards consideration

Film narrated by GRAMMY winner Ann Nesby also in contention for Oscars and IDA Documentary Awards

LOS ANGELES, CA (SEP. 22, 2025) — CIRILO, A Legacy Untold, the documentary short from filmmaker Justin O. Cooper, has been officially submitted for the 57th NAACP Image Awards in the category of Outstanding Documentary Short. The project adds to its growing awards momentum, having also qualified for the 98th Academy Awards (Documentary Short Film) and entered for the 41st IDA Documentary Awards (Best Short Documentary).

The film documents the life of Cirilo McSween, a Panamanian-born insurance executive, McDonald’s franchise owner, and civil rights leader whose story connects Panama and the United States. McSween was a confidant to General Omar Torrijos during the Panama Canal Treaty negotiations and later became a prominent figure in Chicago, serving as treasurer to Congressman Ralph Metcalfe and working with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.

Narrated and executive produced by Ann Nesby, a two-time GRAMMY Award winner, actress, and former lead singer of Sounds of Blackness, the film incorporates archival photographs and testimony that highlight McSween’s role in both civil rights and international politics. Nesby and Cooper’s collaboration extends beyond the film; her latest album, ANNiversary, is under GRAMMY consideration in multiple categories, with Cooper also under consideration for Best Album Packaging Design for his work as Art Director.

On the festival circuit, CIRILO, A Legacy Untold has been selected at Diversity in Cannes (France), the San Antonio Black International Film Festival, Freedom Festival International (Columbia, SC), the Seattle Latino Film Festival, and the Liberación Film Festival in New York City. The film is also a Best Documentary Short nominee at the Detroit Black Film Festival.

“The NAACP Image Awards hold a special significance,” said filmmaker Justin O. Cooper. “For CIRILO, A Legacy Untold to be considered in this space is recognition of Cirilo McSween’s legacy and the cultural bridges he built.”

Produced through Cooper’s company JOCMedia & Entertainment in Los Angeles, the documentary was independently financed and supported with fiscal sponsorship from Film Independent. Crew was hired out of Chicago, where McSween’s legacy remains deeply tied.

With its recognition from both Black and Latino film festivals and its ongoing awards campaign, CIRILO, A Legacy Untold continues to introduce audiences to a leader whose story links civil rights in the United States with Panama’s pursuit of sovereignty.

###

CIRILO, A Legacy Untold, Selected for Liberacion Film Festival 2025, Marking Sixth Festival Selection for the Acclaimed Documentary Short

LOS ANGELES, CA (SEP. 10, 2025) —JOCMedia & Entertainment proudly announces that its Oscar-qualifying documentary short, CIRILO, A Legacy Untold, has been officially selected for the 2025 Liberación Film Festival in New York City, running October 7–8, 2025. This marks the film’s sixth festival selection, underscoring its growing resonance with audiences and programmers across both Black and Latino film communities.

Upcoming screenings of CIRILO, A Legacy Untold include:

Detroit Black Film Festival (In Competition – Best Documentary Short Nominee),
September 25–28, 2025
San Antonio Black International Film Festival, October 2–5, 2025
Liberación Film Festival, October 7–8, 2025 (New York City)
Seattle Latino Film Festival, October 10–18, 2025

Earlier this summer, the film was showcased at the Diversity in Cannes Short Film & Webseries Showcase in France and the Freedom Festival International in Columbia, SC.

The film’s upcoming Latino festival appearances fall during Latino Heritage Month (Sept 15 – Oct 15), further highlighting how its themes are resonating across communities and cultural celebrations.

In August 2025, JOCMedia hosted a virtual screening in partnership with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Tau Kappa Lambda Chapter – Republic of Panama, affirming the film’s international reach and cultural impact.

“We’re seeing CIRILO, A Legacy Untold connect powerfully with audiences across borders,” said Justin O. Cooper, the film’s producer, director, and writer. “The fact that both Black and Latino festival programmers have embraced the film speaks to its universal themes of perseverance, heritage, and untold history.”

The film remains in official consideration for the 98th Academy Awards in the Documentary Short Subject category and the 41st IDA Documentary Awards, positioning it as a formidable contender on the awards circuit.

Narrated and executive produced by two-time Grammy winner Ann Nesby, the film chronicles the extraordinary but overlooked life of Cirilo McSween, New York Life’s first Black insurance agent, whose legacy bridged civil rights, business, and global history.

###

Oscar®-Qualifying Documentary CIRILO, A Legacy Untold Makes South Carolina Festival Debut Aug. 24; Filmmaker Returns Home for First In-State Screening

Screening at Freedom Festival International Coincides with 98th Academy Awards® and 41st Annual IDA Documentary Awards Campaign

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AUG. 14, 2025) — For the first time, South Carolina audiences will see the Oscar-qualifying documentary short “CIRILO, A Legacy Untold” on the big screen, as the acclaimed film makes its home-state festival debut at Freedom Festival International in Columbia on Sunday, Aug. 24, at 12:30 p.m.

Fresh off submissions to the 98th Academy Awards® (Documentary Short Film) and the 41st Annual IDA Documentary Awards (Best Short Documentary), the 26-minute film brings home the untold story of Cirilo McSween — a Panamanian-born entrepreneur, civil rights advocate, and trusted adviser to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The screening marks a homecoming for Los Angeles–based director Justin O. Cooper, a Kingstree native and honors graduate of Benedict College in Mass Communications, who will return to South Carolina Aug. 20–24 for interviews and festival events.

Narrated and executive produced by two-time Grammy Award winner Ann Nesby, the screening comes just days after Nesby’s featured performance at the 11th Annual Women’s Empowerment South Carolina on Aug. 16, creating a rare opportunity for audiences to connect both the artistry and activism behind the project.

Freedom Festival International, running Aug. 22–24, is presented under the umbrella of the Carolina Film Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting filmmakers, cultivating diverse stories, and expanding the cinematic arts across the Carolinas.

Following its Oscar-qualifying theatrical run in Atlanta during Black History Month, the film has earned official selections at the Diversity in Cannes Short Film & Web Series Showcase, San Antonio Black International Film Festival, and Detroit Black Film Festival.

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.

Tickets: www.carolinafilmnetworknpo.org

Official website: https://www.cirilomcsweendoc.com/

###

Oscar®-Qualifying Documentary Short CIRILO, A Legacy Untold Builds Momentum with Festival Selections and Critical Acclaim

A Panamanian-American Story of Global Black Excellence Resonates Across Borders and Screens

LOS ANGELES – JUN. 16, 2025 – After a successful Oscar®-qualifying theatrical release in Atlanta earlier this year, the documentary short CIRILO, A Legacy Untold is gaining significant momentum on the 2025 international film festival circuit. Directed and produced by Justin O. Cooper, the film is officially eligible for the 2026 Academy Awards in the Documentary Short Subject category.

Cirilo, A Legacy Untold has already been selected for key festivals, including:

San Antonio Black International Film Festival (In Competition)
Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase - France (Out of Competition)

The film chronicles the remarkable journey of Cirilo McSween, a Panamanian-born civil rights activist, political strategist, and pioneering entrepreneur who defied racial and national boundaries to make history in both the United States and Panama. From his work alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to his unprecedented appointment to the board of a U.S. bank, McSween’s story is one of dignity, strategy, and enduring legacy.

"Cirilo’s story is more than historical—it’s deeply personal and spiritually urgent," says Justin O. Cooper, the film’s director and producer. “This film bridges continents, cultures, and generations. It’s about reclaiming overlooked Black excellence and reminding us that our global history is interconnected. I’m honored to help share his legacy with the world.”

Narrated and executive produced by Grammy-winning artist Ann Nesby, CIRILO weaves never-before-seen archival footage, vérité moments, and deeply reflective interviews to illuminate a life that transcends borders.

With private screenings underway and additional festival announcements forthcoming, CIRILO, A Legacy Untold continues its journey as a vital work of historical preservation and diasporic storytelling.

For more information or to request a screener, contact Justin O. Cooper at justin@jocmedia.com .

###

GRAMMY WINNER ANN NESBY EXECUTIVE PRODUCES AND NARRATES CIVIL RIGHTS DOCUMENTARY ON HIDDEN FIGURE CIRILO McSWEEN

Oscar-Qualifying Theatrical Run Begins February 14 at Atlanta’s Historic Tara Theatre

ATLANTA – Feb. 10, 2025 – Grammy-winning artist and actress Ann Nesby (Queen Sugar, The Fighting Temptations) expands her storytelling impact as executive producer and narrator of CIRILO, A Legacy Untold, a documentary short spotlighting civil rights leader Cirilo McSween. The film begins its Oscar-qualifying theatrical run at Atlanta’s Tara Theatre on Feb. 14, 2025, for a one-week engagement through Feb. 20.

The project arrives as Nesby continues to gain momentum in music, with her latest single, "My Man"—co-written with R.L. of platinum R&B group NEXT—in rotation on XM Radio’s Heart & Soul and iHeartRadio, with national radio expansion underway.

A Civil Rights Figure Who Shaped Economic Justice

Directed and produced by Justin O. Cooper, CIRILO, A Legacy Untold tells the untold story of Cirilo McSween, a Panamanian immigrant who became a key figure in economic empowerment within the civil rights movement. As Chief Economic Advisor for Operation Breadbasket, the economic arm of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), McSween worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., Andrew Young, and Ralph Abernathy to secure financial equity for Black communities in the 1960s.

Beyond civil rights, McSween’s economic leadership extended into global diplomacy, where he played a pivotal role in securing the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaties, which returned control of the Panama Canal to Panama—one of President Jimmy Carter’s landmark achievements.

“This film shines a light on an overlooked figure who not only helped finance the civil rights movement but also shaped economic policy and global diplomacy,” said Cooper. “Cirilo McSween’s story is a powerful reminder that economic justice has always been a cornerstone of civil rights.”

A Powerful Voice Behind the Film

For Nesby, stepping into the narrator and executive producer role was an opportunity to amplify McSween’s impact.

"Cirilo McSween’s story is one of resilience, vision, and breaking barriers," said Nesby. "His life’s work helped open doors for so many, and it’s an honor to lend my voice to share his legacy with the world."

Oscar Qualification & Industry Momentum

With its theatrical run at Tara Theatre, CIRILO, A Legacy Untold will officially qualify for the 2026 Academy Awards in the Documentary Short category. Following its theatrical debut, the documentary will continue its international festival circuit, with selections pending from major documentary and independent film festivals. The film, fiscally sponsored by Film Independent, also marks the first theatrical release from JOCMedia & Entertainment, Cooper’s Los Angeles-based production company, which has written and produced industrial and public-facing content for Fortune 100 brands in the insurance industry.

Award-Winning Talent Behind the Film

The film’s creative team includes:

Ann Nesby, a two-time Grammy-winning vocalist, actress, and songwriter, is known as the lead singer of Sounds of Blackness and for her acclaimed stage and screen career. She has worked with Tyler Perry and David E. Talbert and had a longstanding role as Gran Georgeanna in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. Her television credits include Queen Sugar, Hap and Leonard, Atlanta, and The Fighting Temptations.

Justin O. Cooper, producer, director, and writer, is also the North American Liaison to the Royal Film Commission – Jordan and has facilitated major Hollywood productions in Jordan, including Aladdin, Star Wars: Episode IX, Dune: Part One, and SEAL Team. Before moving to Los Angeles, Cooper was the spokesman and film liaison for Southern Regional Medical Center in Georgia, where he oversaw physical production for major film, TV, and commercial projects shot at the location, including What to Expect When You’re Expecting and Ride Along, and frequently collaborated with the Clayton County and Georgia Film Office.

Jeffrey Gabriel Silva, cinematographer, whose work (Black Monk) has screened at the Chicago Latino Film Festival and Ícaro International Film Festival.

Maverick Turner is an Emmy-winning sound designer and senior audio engineer for the WNBA and Big Ten Network.

How to Watch
Screenings will be held at Tara Theatre, 2345 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE, Atlanta, GA, from Feb. 14-20, 2025.

For tickets and more information, visit taraatlanta.com.

Press Contact
Justin O. Cooper
Director, Producer, Writer -- CIRILO, A Legacy Untold
Email: justin@jocmedia.com | Phone: (404) 803-3006