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A childhood spent on the South Side of Chicago gave director Rodney Lucas an appreciation for his culture that translates to his work.<\/p>\n
\u201cBlack Chicago was like a neighborhood full of superheroes,\u201d he told us. \u201cI thought that my barber was a superstar. I thought he was a therapist. I thought he was a doctor. I thought he was a source of empowerment. I\u2019d always seen my community as more than what their title would suggest.\u201d<\/p>\n
That perspective has had an impact on his approach to filmmaking. \u201cThe second I got a chance to highlight them on a national and international level, it became so obvious: I always say that I don\u2019t have to leave Chicago to be inspired.\u201d<\/p>\n
Centering Black and other minority voices is a common theme in his films: In 2019, he directed Portrait of a Place: Southside Forever\u2014A Motion Picture of Black Chicago<\/em>, a documentary focused on the Black community in Chicago featuring footage of and interviews with residents like Diane Latiker, founder of local youth organization Kids Off the Block, discussing the community\u2019s hope and resilience.<\/p>\n In addition to his documentary work, Lucas has directed advertisements for brands such as DoorDash and Nike, which often highlight Black figures and stories. He was the only Black director of a Super Bowl commercial in 2023: An NFL spot featuring several of the league\u2019s athletes.<\/p>\n