This World Is Not My Own

Nellie Mae Rowe, born on July 4, 1900, lived a life that mirrored the transformations of the 20th century. As an artist working largely unnoticed for much of her life, Rowe viewed her creativity as a divine gift. The daughter of a sharecropper and former slave, she resourcefully used whatever materials were available to her. In adulthood, she converted her home into her "Playhouse," a wonderland of colorful drawings, handmade sculptures and dolls, and an array of found objects. It wasn’t until six years before her passing that her talents were recognized by Judith Alexander, a prominent gallerist, who introduced Rowe's work to the wider art community. "This World is Not My Own" chronicles Rowe's life across four acts, delving into her commitment to her art amidst the societal and political currents that influenced her unique creations. The film employs a blend of documentary techniques, animation, and scripted scenes set in meticulously crafted environments, vividly portraying the compelling journey of an artist who dedicated her life to her passion against all odds.