“It is important for us to tell our stories,” says Ross. “We must give reverence to those forgotten stories. By curating those experiences, there is a revelation that equals a connection and ultimately provides healing.”
Monty Ross joined Ours Studios LLC as its first Filmmaker-in-Residence in March 2022. With more than 40 years of experience, Ross also co-founded Forty Acres and A Mule Filmworks with college classmate Spike Lee where they produced several films, including Malcolm X, Jungle Fever, She’s Gotta Have It, and School Daze.
Ann Wead Kimbrough, Ours Studios COO is also a classmate of Ross. Both are natives of Omaha, Neb. When Kimbrough shared the “As If We Were Ghosts” story with Ross, they both knew it was ideal for Ross to produce. As Ross says, it is a story that resonated with him because he knew there were similar stories about Black high school athletes across the country.
The first of five planned productions, “As If We Were Ghosts”, highlights the harsh treatment of Black high school athletes during segregation and their unwavering spirit to overcome challenges.
Ross joined the Ours Team in celebrating its debut on June 13th on Georgia Public Broadcasting.