Cantata for a More Hopeful Tomorrow

Following the story of an African-American couple struggling with COVID-19 and their journey from despair to hope, “Cantata for a More Hopeful Tomorrow” is a short music film that beautifully, powerfully weaves together a new choral work by composer Damien Geter with an emotionally evocative and poignant film created by Emmy award-winning filmmaker Bob Berg.



  • Bob Berg
    Director
  • Bob Berg
    Writer
  • Bob Berg
    Producer
  • Stephen Beaudoin
    Producer
  • Eugene Rogers
    Producer
  • Kim McKissack
    Key Cast
    "Michelle Rogers"
  • Kyle Greenlaw
    Key Cast
    "Martin Rogers"
  • Damien Geter
    Composer
  • Mary Kay Berg
    Associate Producer
  • Aundi Marie Moore
    Soloists
  • Seth Parker Woods
    Soloists
  • The Washington Chorus
    Chorus
  • Eugene Rogers
    Chorus
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Music Video, Short
  • Runtime:
    23 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 14, 2020
  • Production Budget:
    48,000 USD
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Munich Music Video Awards (Munich, Germany)
    Munich
    Germany
    October 29, 2021
    semi-finalist, Outstanding Experimental Music Video
  • Los Angeles Indie Short Fest
    Los Angeles
    United States
    February 1, 2021
    • Best Experimental Short and Best Sound Mixing
  • Northern Virginia International Film & Music Festival
    Fairfax
    United States
    Honorable Mention, Outstanding Short
  • Columbia Film Festival
    Columbia
    United States
    TBD
  • Canadian Diversity Film Festival
    Toronto
    Canada
    TBD
  • Experimental, Dance, and Music Film Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    TBD
Director Biography - Bob Berg

As a producer/ director of photography and editor, for more than 40 years, Bob has earned numerous awards, including a National Emmy, 71 Regional Emmys, and the National Press Photographers Association Photographer of the Year—twice. He started his own company, Palindrome Productions, in 1997, and has worked in all aspects of production including as director of photography for independent films, newsmagazine shows, documentaries, and reality productions like ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and Spike TV’s “Bar Rescue.” Since joining the talented crew at Michigan Media, Bob has been honored to work with many U-M departments, producing successful marketing and promotional films.

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Director Statement

Cantata for a More Hopeful Tomorrow gave me an opportunity to visually express feelings about what we all went through in 2020. A story that demonstrates that despite a global pandemic, divisive politics, social justice issues, and climate change, there is still good in the world. That good shines best through a narrative of love and music.


The real challenge was filming during the pandemic, knowing that you must provide a safe environment for all the actors and performers. Extraordinary protocol was utilized to make this a reality.