cirilo, a LEGACY UNTOLD
Documentary, Short | Los Angeles, CA, United States
Directed by: Justin O'Shea Cooper
Description: Born into poverty in Panama, Cirilo McSween's journey is one of defiance, resilience, and triumph over systemic barriers. Against the backdrop of Jim Crow America, McSween confronts entrenched racism while pursuing the elusive American Dream. From his arrival in the United States as an ambitious immigrant to his ascent as a trailblazing entrepreneur and civil rights activist, McSween's life becomes a testament to the power of determination and community.
Through his tireless advocacy for equality and opportunity, McSween plays pivotal roles in shaping both Panama's identity and Chicago's civil rights landscape. A confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a groundbreaking insurance executive, and a philanthropist dedicated to empowering underserved communities, McSween's story bridges nations and generations.
This documentary short, Cirilo, A Legacy Untold, weaves together archival footage, personal anecdotes, and expert insights to illuminate a transformative figure who continues to inspire across the Americas.
Directed by: Justin O'Shea Cooper
Description: Born into poverty in Panama, Cirilo McSween's journey is one of defiance, resilience, and triumph over systemic barriers. Against the backdrop of Jim Crow America, McSween confronts entrenched racism while pursuing the elusive American Dream. From his arrival in the United States as an ambitious immigrant to his ascent as a trailblazing entrepreneur and civil rights activist, McSween's life becomes a testament to the power of determination and community.
Through his tireless advocacy for equality and opportunity, McSween plays pivotal roles in shaping both Panama's identity and Chicago's civil rights landscape. A confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a groundbreaking insurance executive, and a philanthropist dedicated to empowering underserved communities, McSween's story bridges nations and generations.
This documentary short, Cirilo, A Legacy Untold, weaves together archival footage, personal anecdotes, and expert insights to illuminate a transformative figure who continues to inspire across the Americas.
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Filmmaker Bio:
Justin O'Shea CooperJustin O. Cooper is a multi-talented producer, writer, editor, and creative consultant whose career bridges industries and borders. As the founder and visionary behind JOCMedia + Entertainment, a Los Angeles-based global marcom and film & TV production company, he has led national TV campaigns for Fortune 100 brands like New York Life Insurance and developed compelling audiovisual projects that inspire and engage audiences worldwide.
Internationally, Cooper has served as a trusted consultant to The Royal Film Commission-Jordan, where his strategic expertise supported iconic productions such as Aladdin, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Dune, and SEAL Team. Renowned for his knowledge of global film incentives and production services, he has advised leading studios, including Disney, Universal Pictures, Paramount+, and Netflix, helping to bridge creative visions with practical execution across continents. A passionate storyteller with journalistic roots, Cooper brings a unique lens to every project, seamlessly blending cultural narratives with human-interest themes. His creative achievements extend beyond film and television into music, where his ASCAP Plus Award-winning songwriting includes collaborations with Grammy winners Tom Scott and Ann Nesby. Cooper graduated with honors from Benedict College and UCLA, earning a bachelor's degree in mass communication and certifications in film & TV development and film editing. He is an active member of Film Independent and is listed on the IATSE Motion Picture Editors Guild Local 700 Industry Experience Roster as an assistant editor. Additionally, he is a member of the Sons of the Legion at the American Legion Hollywood Post 43. Driven by a commitment to storytelling that bridges cultures and inspires global audiences, Justin O. Cooper continues to push creative boundaries while fostering connections across the entertainment landscape. |
