Magnolia Pictures has acquired Bill Banowsky’s “A Savage Art: The Life & Cartoons of Pat Oliphant,” a documentary about the renowned Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist who satirized presidents, popes and business leaders with his art. The film world-premiered at DC/DOX. Magnolia has U.S. rights to the film, which will release in theaters on Sept. 5. The indie studio is also debuting a new trailer (watch above) and poster.
The documentary follows the life of Australian-born Oliphant, whose tenure as America’s most celebrated and feared political cartoonist spanned five decades and 10 administrations. In 1990, The New York Times called him “the most influential editorial cartoonist now working.” The film covers the history and importance of political cartoons in global democracies, as well as the decline in the profession and in the newspaper industry. It also highlights the effects of extreme political partisanship on media and editorial cartooning, and shows how Oliphant used his wit, critical eye and drawing skills to take on the powers that be, sending up everyone from Ho Chi Minh to Donald Trump.
“Pat Oliphant spoke truth to power in the bravest, most creative ways, in images that powerfully resonate today,” said Magnolia Pictures co-CEOs Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley. “Bill Banowsky and crew have done a tremendous job capturing his profound legacy.”
“We are thrilled to team up with Magnolia Pictures for the theatrical release of ‘A Savage Art,’ a film about political cartooning and one of the great cartoonists in American history, Patrick Oliphant,” said Banowsky. “The issues explored in ‘A Savage Art’ are of greater importance today than ever before. More than just the story of Pat’s life and extraordinary career, the film is a call to arms for journalists and citizens alike to speak truth to power in whatever ways they can.”
Banowsky directed the film. It is produced by Paul O’Bryan. Susan Conway and Susan Banowsky were executive producers.