Watch Floyd Norman: An Animated Life

Floyd Norman: An Animated Life is a 2016 documentary film that explores the life and career of famed animator Floyd Norman. The film chronicles Norman's incredible journey from his childhood in Santa Barbara, California to becoming the first African American animator at Disney Studios. Along the way, we are introduced to the people, places, and experiences that shaped Norman's life and inspired his passion for animation.

The film is directed by Michael Fiore and Erik Sharkey and features interviews with Norman himself, as well as his family, friends, and colleagues from the animation industry. We also hear from some of the biggest names in the business, including Pixar's John Lasseter, who credits Norman with being a major influence on his own career.

The documentary is a beautiful tribute to Norman's artistry and creativity, as we see his work come to life on screen through clips from classic Disney movies like Sleeping Beauty, The Jungle Book, and The Sword in the Stone. Norman's contributions to these films – from character design to storyboarding – were absolutely vital, and it's fascinating to see how his vision and talent helped shape some of the most beloved animated films of all time.

One of the most poignant parts of the film is when Norman talks about the challenges he faced as a black man in a predominantly white industry. He recalls being told that he would never make it as an animator, and how he had to work twice as hard as his white counterparts to prove himself. But despite these obstacles, Norman never lost his passion for animation, and he continued to create incredible, groundbreaking work throughout his career.

In addition to his time at Disney, the film also explores Norman's later work with Hanna-Barbera and Pixar, as well as his contributions to the civil rights movement in the 1960s. We learn how Norman's activism and dedication to equality helped shape his art and his worldview, and how his experiences during this time continue to inspire him to this day.

The film's interviewees are all passionate about Norman and his work, and it's clear that they have enormous respect for both the man and his contributions to the industry. Some of the most moving moments of the film come when these individuals share their personal stories about Norman – stories that highlight his kindness, his compassion, and his unwavering dedication to his craft.

Overall, Floyd Norman: An Animated Life is an incredibly inspiring film that celebrates the life and career of a true icon in the animation industry. It's a must-see for anyone who loves animation, and for anyone who wants to be inspired by someone who truly made their dreams come true.

Floyd Norman: An Animated Life is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 68.