Watch All Me: The Life and Times of Winfred Rembert

All Me: The Life and Times of Winfred Rembert is a documentary film from 2011 that celebrates the life and remarkable talent of Winfred Rembert, a self-taught artist who transforms his memories of growing up in the segregated South into colorful and powerful works of art. Directed by Vivian Ducat, the film features interviews with Winfred himself, as well as with his wife Patsy and their daughter Lilian, as they reflect on his life and work while sharing personal stories and anecdotes.

The documentary begins by introducing viewers to Winfred, who grew up in segregated Cuthbert, Georgia during the 1950s and 60s. He speaks candidly about the challenges and injustices he faced as a young black man, including being arrested and brutally beaten by white police officers after participating in a Civil Rights protest. This experience, which left him with lifelong physical and emotional scars, inspired him to channel his pain and frustration into his art.

Using a technique known as reverse glass painting, Winfred creates vivid and detailed scenes that depict everything from cotton fields and blues musicians to chain gangs and police brutality. He explains how he learned the technique while serving a ten-year prison sentence for stealing a car, and how he continues to refine his skills and experiment with new techniques to this day.

Throughout the film, we see Winfred at work in his studio, meticulously painting scenes on glass plates using a small needle and acrylic paint. He explains how each piece tells a story from his life, and how he hopes his art can inspire others to remember the painful history of racial segregation and discrimination in America.

In addition to showcasing his art, the film also delves into Winfred's personal life, including his loving relationship with his wife Patsy and their children. We see old family photos and hear stories of their courtship, their struggles to make ends meet, and their unwavering support for Winfred's artistic endeavors.

One of the most moving aspects of the film is the way it explores the healing power of art, both for Winfred and for his community. We see him visiting schools and community centers, sharing his life story and his art with young people who may not know much about the history of segregation and civil rights in America. He talks about the sense of purpose and fulfillment he gets from creating art, and how it has helped him to process and come to terms with the trauma of his past.

In the end, All Me is a powerful and intimate portrait of a remarkable artist and a man who has overcome tremendous obstacles to share his talent and his story with the world. Through interviews, archival footage, and, of course, Winfred's incredible paintings, the film offers a window into a world that many viewers may have never seen before. It's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and a reminder of the power of art to heal, connect, and inspire.

All Me: The Life and Times of Winfred Rembert is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.5.