A visual and oral story of how graffiti writing in Atlanta began, how it grew up, where it is today, and its place in the larger global graffiti community. Through rare photos and interviews with primary actors such as Antar Fierce, the documentary explores the intersection of graffiti writing and Hip-Hop in Atlanta. Featuring interviews with Atlanta writers Sparky Z, Save, Hense and Vayne.

Interview with Producer/Director/Editor William Feagins, Jr.

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

This film was made to document the graffiti/style writing community in Atlanta and its connection to the current street art/mural art movement before its history and beginnings are lost to the gentrification and changes taking place.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

You should watch this film to learn the history of street art in Atlanta and have a better understanding of the oft-frowned upon and misunderstood art form of graffiti/style writing.

City of Kings: Atlanta - Writer Vayne being interviewed

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

It's really about people following their passion even despite the dangers and the negative connotations.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

Originally the film was just to document the history but as it evolved we noticed the connection and how it really became a "public art/street art" origin story.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

I have received a lot of positive feedback from people saying they have started paying attention to the art that they previously disregarded. The writers themselves have had positive things to say about being represented.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

People saying they started paying attention to the names and graffiti because of the film has surprised me.

City of Kings: Atlanta - Antar working on a "City of Kings" piece

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

I hope to continue to bring awareness to these artists and the history of the city of Atlanta.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

We are doing this ourselves so we need everyone to come on board to help amplify the film's message. We are also hoping to create a full-length version so amplifying this short and generating interest is the goal.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

Since graffiti/style writing is a global thing I would love for the film to not only show how Atlanta has its place in it all but also help people view the art form and its practitioners in a different, more positive light.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

A key question would be "Do graffiti writers get enough credit for really starting off the street art/public art movement we see thriving these days?"

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

Most are continuing to paint, and some are working on moving into gallery space and paid mural work.

Interview: June 2024

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

City of Kings: Atlanta

Length: 28:03

Director: William Feagins, Jr.

Producer: William Feagins, Jr.

Writer: William Feagins, Jr.

About the writer, director and producer:

WILLIAM FEAGINS, JR., an award-winning filmmaker, was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He first discovered his love for film while studying at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, where he was able to create music videos for local hip-hop artists as his school projects. In 2006, William filmed & directed his first documentary, The Art of Life, for independent hip-hop artist, ChaRon Don. Soon after, William relocated to Atlanta, its rich arts and music scene made it a perfect place for him to create and grow as an artist.

Looking for: sales agents, journalists, distributors, film festival directors, producers, buyers

Facebook: Wfjrfilms

Twitter: @wfjrFilms

Instagram: @wfjrfilms

Hashtags used: #cityofkings #cityofkingsatl #cityofkingsatlanta

Website: wfjrFILMS

Made in association with: South Fulton Arts

Funders: South Fulton Arts