New documentary highlights resilience, spirituality in Indianapolis’ Black creative community

Three Black Indianapolis artists are at the center of a new documentary in the works that explores themes of creativity, community and resilience.

The documentary “Moving with the Spirit,” guides you through the stories of local visual and mixed media artists Gary Gee, Israel Solomon and Johnson Simon. It illustrates how their art helps define Indianapolis while also honoring the history that came before them.

Chris Wilborn is the producer and director for the project. He said the documentary is meant to challenge viewers to consider not just the artists’ personal journeys but also the larger community they’re part of.

“You're able to follow these men as they go through their journey of being able to defy the odds and see them come out victorious as they go through these trials and tribulations," he said.

The project faced its own challenges when a hard drive containing all the original footage crashed, forcing the team to refilm the entire documentary.

“I felt like I let everyone down,” Wilborn said. “I kept thinking about if I stop now, what's going to happen, but if I continue to push forward this has an opportunity to come to life.”

The project is about half way completed and Wilborn is also looking for additional funding.

Wilborn said faith, spirituality and religion also played a major role in shaping the documentary.

“Understanding that we can't just do this by ourselves,” Wilborn said. “At the end of the day, we need faith."

A preview of the documentary was featured in this year’s BUTTER Fine Art fair.