In a video interview with CNN, Hercules had the opportunity to reflect on his two year relationship with the influential author.
“She’s a riveting person,” Hercules said. “I still think of her in the present, and it’s hard to imagine that she’s passed. She was a giant in the world of arts, politics, and political activism.”
Hercules last saw Angelou in April 2014 while she was in Washington, DC. The cameras were rolling as Angelou attended the installation of her portrait at the National Portrait Gallery in the Smithsonian. Hercules said that Angelou was in tremendous spirits for the ceremony.
Work on the documentary began approximately two years ago, and Hercules said Angelou was more than supportive from the very beginning. This is the first film made about the life of Angelou.
The film, ‘Maya Angelou: Poet of the People,’ is the first film made about the iconic poet and author, and will air on PBS American Masters in early 2016.
To view the CNN interview with Hercules, please click here.
To read more about the documentary, please visit PBS.org.
Maya Angelou (seated, center) and the American Masters — Maya Angelou: The People’s Poet crew at her house in Winston-Salem, N.C., January 2014. Pictured (standing, left to right): Bob Hercules (co-director/producer), Rita Coburn Whack (co-director/producer) and Keith Walker (D.P.) Photo by Christopher Howard.