A Savage Art: The Life & Cartoons of Pat Oliphant – Watch the trailer for the new documentary

Magnolia Pictures has debuted the trailer and poster for director Bill Banowsky’s A Savage Art: The Life & Cartoons of Pat Oliphant, a timely documentary about the renowned Pulitzer Prize winning political cartoonist who bravely took on presidents, popes and the American corporate class with his mighty pen. The film recently world-premiered at DC/DOX. Magnolia has U.S. rights to the film and has set the theatrical release for September 5.

A SAVAGE ART: THE LIFE & CARTOONS OF PAT OLIPHANT chronicles the life and career of Australian-born Oliphant, whose tenure as America’s most celebrated and feared political cartoonist spanned five decades and ten U.S. Presidents. In 1990 The New York Times called him “the most influential editorial cartoonist now working.” The film covers the history and importance of political cartoons in global democracies, as well as the decline in the profession and in the newspaper industry. It also highlights the effects of extreme political partisanship on media and editorial cartooning, and shows how Oliphant used his biting wit, sharp critical eye and masterful drawing skills to take on presidents, popes and the powers that be.

“Pat Oliphant spoke truth to power in the bravest, most creative ways, in images that powerfully resonate today,” said Magnolia Pictures co-CEOs Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley. “Bill Banowsky and crew have done a tremendous job capturing his profound legacy.”

“We are thrilled to team up with Magnolia Pictures for the theatrical release of A SAVAGE ART, a film about political cartooning and one of the great cartoonists in American history, Patrick Oliphant,” said Banowsky. “The issues explored in A SAVAGE ART are of greater importance today than ever before. More than just the story of Pat’s life and extraordinary career, the film is a call to arms for journalists and citizens alike to speak truth to power in whatever ways they can.”

Directed by Bill Banowsky, A SAVAGE ART: THE LIFE & CARTOONS OF PAT OLIPHANT is produced by Paul O’Bryan. Executive Producers are Susan Conway, Susan Banowsky.

The film hits US cinemas on 5th September.