University of Iowa film wins Emmy for telling story of Jackson Pollock's 'Mural'

A documentary on the the University of Iowa's ties to one of Jackson Pollock's most famous paintings has been awarded an Emmy from the Mid-America Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

The film, "Jackson Pollock's Mural: The Story of a Modern Masterpiece," tells the story of the creation of Pollock's 1943 painting and how it eventually landed in Iowa City in 1951. It was one of five films nominated for the “Documentary — Cultural” category.

It's been more than nine years since "Mural," the most value piece in the UI's collection, had to be evacuated from campus because of rising floodwaters. Since then, the painting has toured the world: Los Angeles, Venice, Italy, Berlin, London among others.

"The story of 'Mural' is so intertwined with UI that it made sense for us to make this movie," said Ben Hill, the film's producer and director for marketing and communications at UI.

Originally premiering at FilmScene in 2015, the documentary was directed by Kevin Kelley, a 30-year creative media producer for the university. Photo and video producer Kirk Murray served as director of photography, and creative media specialist Dana Telsrow was assistant editor and animator.

“We’re obviously thankful and thrilled to have our film honored by the Mid-America Chapter,” Kelley sad in a university news release. “So many people across the UI campus had a hand in getting this film made, especially the faculty and staff at the UI Museum of Art and the School of Art and Art History. I can’t thank them and the talented UI crew enough for the work they put in to help tell this story.”

The documentary aired on Iowa Public Television and 22 other public television stations across the region.

"Mural" recently returned to the United States for a temporary display at Nelson-Atkinson Museum of Art in Kansas City.

It will be at least another two years, however, until the university will be able to bring the painting back to Iowa City for display.

At that time, the university plans to have a new Museum of Art building constructed near the Main Library.

Reach Jeff Charis-Carlson at jcharisc@press-citizen.com or 319-887-5435. Follow him on Twitter: @JeffCharis.