Wade in the Water

WADE IN THE WATER: FILM TITLE

This film title helped open an amazing documentary that details the black experience in America through the lens of surf culture. Director David Mesfin came to us with a basic idea, and through our collaboration we developed an aesthetic that has roots in Africa and African American art styles and sensibilities. The surfer's journey starts on the beach shore and follows him into the waves. He paddles out and then duck dives below the surface and travels down deep into the depths where he is met by the African water spirit, "Mami Wata" where he ultimately becomes baptized. This main title sequence was completmented by hand drawn typography elements and plenty of cel animation to give it humanity. I am honored to be a part of this project and shining a light on issues in the documentary.