Private Project

The Black Cowboy

The Black Cowboy is a look at a little-known chapter in the history of the United States. It is a story that illuminates the often overlooked people who contributed to the building of the ideal that is the American dream.

  • Charles Westely Perry
    Director
    Sudden Developments
  • Art T Burton
    Writer
    Gun Slingers
  • Ernest Marsh
    Producer
    1883
  • Art T. Burton
    Key Cast
    "Self"
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 15 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    April 30, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    150,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital Sony FS7
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Kigali
    Rwanda
    December 22, 2022
    Test Screening
Director Biography - Charles Westely Perry

Charles Perry's first experience as a cinematographer landed him at the Hollywood Film Festival for the short film, 'Scraps'. Currently, he's filming and producing the feature-length documentary, The Black Cowboy. During idle moments, he finds time to create short films to keep evolving as a filmmaker. The short observational documentary, Pony Express, set in rural Black Oklahoma, features a family of descendants of freemen. It provides a window into their daily lives as they proudly carry on horse traditions on land that has been in their family for over 100 years. Always pushing the envelope, director Charles Perry's mission with motion picture is to tell stories from the perspective of people with little or no voice.

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Director Statement

Through the process of making this film, I was able to truly understand the role that men and women of color played in the success of the United States of America. I have developed a deeper respect and understanding for all people who make America richly diverse and special. This film journey has been long and tough, but completely satisfying. As an indie filmmaker, I've been lucky enough to find ways to get my true creative work done. I've discovered the empowerment and impact that come along with being a documentary filmmaker. I’ve come to better understand how entertainment and media shape the way we view the world.