A highly anticipated documentary exploring the life and groundbreaking work of renowned American photographer Steve Schapiro is set to hit theaters nationwide this November. The film, titled "Steve Schapiro: Being Everywhere," offers an intimate look at the legendary photojournalist who documented some of the most pivotal moments in American history before his death in 2022 at age 87.
Schapiro built an extraordinary career spanning six decades, becoming widely recognized for his powerful documentation of the U.S. civil rights movement and major cultural events of the 1960s and 1970s. His camera captured historic moments including the March on Washington, the Selma to Montgomery marches, and Robert F. Kennedy's presidential campaign before the senator's tragic assassination. Beyond his photojournalism work, Schapiro also made significant contributions to cinema, creating iconic still photographs for legendary films such as "The Godfather" and "Taxi Driver" that became enduring pieces of movie history.
Directed by Maura Smith, the documentary presents Schapiro's story through his own voice, weaving together his remarkable photographs, personal stories, and unique perspective on American life. "I've shot everything from poodles to presidents," Schapiro famously remarked, and his extensive archive truly demonstrates this incredible range. Throughout his career, he photographed influential figures across culture, politics, and the arts, including Andy Warhol, David Bowie, and Muhammad Ali. His political photography encompassed six U.S. presidents: Kennedy, Nixon, Johnson, Carter, Clinton, and Obama.
The photographer's ability to be present at crucial historical moments was unparalleled. He documented Robert F. Kennedy's final Christmas with his family, captured scenes at the Lorraine Motel following Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, and worked on film sets for movies like "Chinatown" and "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." His photographs not only recorded these events but also conveyed the deeper emotions and significance of each moment.
"Steve wasn't just documenting history – he was living inside it," explained producers Michael Rosenberg, Sid Ganis, and Rob Friedman in a joint statement. "His camera captured the soul of America during its most pivotal moments, and we felt compelled to ensure his extraordinary story and singular perspective reach the widest possible audience."
The documentary will have its premiere screenings at prestigious film festivals, including the Mill Valley Film Festival in Mill Valley, California, and the Newport Beach Film Festival in Newport Beach, California. Abramorama will handle the nationwide theatrical distribution, beginning with a special week-long engagement in New York City at DCTV's Firehouse Cinema starting November 14, followed by a broader release across the United States in mid-November.
