Power Lawyer Bob Darwell is not only a master of the legal world, working on deals for clients like Amazon Studios, Nickelodeon, and Wondery – he’s also an accomplished documentarian. His latest film, Black Uniform, tells the untold stories of 12 Black men and women who served in the U.S. military during major conflicts dating back to World War II. The film highlights the experiences of individuals such as 104-year-old Romay Davis, who served in the 6888th, the only all-Black female battalion that was sent overseas during World War II, and former Congressman Charles Rangel, who received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service in the Korean War.
Black Uniform has received high acclaim, winning best documentary at the Los Angeles Documentary Film Festival, Orlando Urban Film Festival, and Diamond State Film Festival, and received the Luminary Award at the L.A. Awareness Film Festival. Darwell’s first documentary, The 90s Club, also garnered attention, debuting at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and ultimately winning best documentary at the Manhattan Film Festival, among other accolades. The film focuses on a dozen “very well-aged” people in their 90s, and is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video in the U.S. and U.K.
Bob Darwell’s commitment to honoring the stories of those who have served in the military and challenging ageism through his documentaries has not gone unnoticed. In celebration of Veterans Day, Black Uniform will be screened at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, with a free cookout for veterans and their families. Following this, the documentary will play at the Montgomery Film Festival, where Davis will be in attendance, adding an extra layer of depth to the screening.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Darwell discussed the inspiration behind his films, how he found his subjects, and what’s next on his to-do list. Regarding the decision to begin making documentaries, Darwell expressed that he always had a passion for it but found the time to pursue it during the work-from-home period of the COVID-19 shutdowns. The 90s Club, his debut documentary, was a project close to his heart, aimed at shedding light on the wisdom and vitality of the very well-aged. This passion only grew with Black Uniform, as Darwell sought to share the stories of black men and women who had served in the military.
In making Black Uniform, Darwell interviewed a wide range of individuals, including two from World War II, a Tuskegee Airman, a woman who served in the Six Triple Eight, two from the Korean War, two from Vietnam, a few from Desert Storm, and a woman who was the first female black Army Ranger. The variety and depth of these stories shed light on the unique experiences and challenges faced by veterans throughout history.
When asked about his favorite story from Black Uniform, Darwell emphasized that what stands out is the diversity of experiences within the veteran community, with no two individuals having the same story. From post-traumatic stress to the challenges of accessing benefits, the film serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans and the ongoing struggles they face even after their service has ended.
Darwell’s commitment to illuminating the experiences of Black veterans and challenging stereotypes about age and beauty doesn’t stop with Black Uniform. He shared that he has plans for a third documentary, Crowning Achievement, which will focus on former Miss Americas from various decades, providing a perspective on the pageant’s impact on their lives and how it has evolved over time. Additionally, Darwell will be directing Snow Angels: Alaska’s Fierce Female Flyers, a documentary about the women pilots of the Arctic, showing his dedication to sharing the stories of underrepresented groups.
Bob Darwell’s work as a documentarian sheds light on stories often overlooked and challenges societal norms about age, beauty, and service. Through his films, he paves the way for a more inclusive and diverse representation of history, beauty, and honor, showcasing the resilience and strength of those who have contributed to the fabric of our society.
