This World is Not My Own

The Limitless Story of Nellie Mae Rowe

A wealthy gallerist, chewing-gum sculptures, a firebrand wrestler, a notorious murder case and the segregated south—it’s all part of Nellie Mae Rowe’s boundless universe. This World is Not My Own reimagines this self-taught artist’s world and her life spanning the 20th century.

In detailed film sets that recreate Nellie’s home, the actress Uzo Aduba embodies an animated version of the subject. Her recorded dialogue, movement and song make Nellie come to life.

“A bold, brave work, This World Is Not My Own is a shining example of how the merging of many facets of non-fiction filmmaking can be integrated to elevate a story.”
–POV Magazine

Format: Feature

Web: thisworldisnotmyown.com

Roles: Co-Director, Co-Writer, Cinematographer, Designer/Animator

Cast: Uzo Aduba, Amy Warren

Awards: Palm Springs Intl. Film Festival, Atlanta Film Festival, Mendocino Film Festival, Nashville Film Festival

Support: Swedish Film Institute, New York State Council on the Arts, Jewish Story Partners, Cinema Conservancy, Judith Alexander Foundation, David Schwartz Foundation

Team: Marquise Stillwell (Co-Director), Ruchi Mital (Producer & Co-Writer), Mathew Head (Music), Princess A. Hairston (Editor), Grandslam Film (Co-Producers), Kaktus Film (Character Animation & VFX), dream hampton (Executive Producer), Tyler Brodie (Co-Executive Producer)

Clips

Design

Poster Design by Petter Ringbom with typography based on Nellie Mae Rowe’s handwriting.

Images