Jerry Willis

Filmmaker Statement

When I was a child, I learned about the Griot. The griot is an oral historian. A human library. Since the beginning of time, we humans have been storytellers. I have always been fascinated with stories. All stories. The ability to express a world beyond ones knowledge, hold their attention, and then to place them on a path of their new found education is completely mind-blowing to me. To possess such responsibilities is an honor. It is a duty. Storytelling is the oldest form of human communication. To be remembered in such a prestigious group is something that has always registered in my heart. This is who I am to become.