A little more than a year ago, local, award-winning filmmaker George W. Tillman Jr. found himself fighting for his life and his livelihood. A scary bout with Legionnaire’s Disease left him hospitalized while his brother ransacked his home and stole his most prized possessions: his movie scripts.
However, just days before his 70th birthday, Tillman sat down with The Tri-State Defender to share his story of perseverance, purpose, hope and new beginnings ahead of the premiere of his latest film, “The Lucky Eleven.”
“The Lucky Eleven” is a documentary that explores the collective path of 11 African-American men from Memphis to the NFL and beyond. Written, produced and directed by Tillman, work on the film began in 2009 and is finally complete. The final cut will premiere at Malco Theater Studio on the Square, 2105 Court Ave., Thursday, Aug. 14, 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.
“It took us a long time to make this film,” said Tillman. “Several of the men passed away during the course of filming, but this story is so important, it had to be told.”
And who better to tell it than native-Memphian and fellow football teammate George W. Tillman Jr.? A star quarterback at Messick High, Tillman had plans to attend the University of Memphis, but he says they weren’t ready for a Black quarterback.
“This was the early 70s, during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. King had just been killed. Tensions were high,” said Tillman.
So, with help from famed businessman and Fisk University alum A. Maceo Walker, Tillman went to Fisk in Nashville, where the “lucky eleven” were enrolled and experiencing much success after other predominately white schools didn’t want to recruit these championship players.
“Coach Samuel Whitmon came down and got all 11 from Southside High and took them back to Nashville,” Tillman said.
These athletes would go on to graduate from Fisk and enter the NFL. One of them, John Jones, who ironically wore number 11, became the fourth African-American quarterback in the NFL.
Tillman took the responsibility upon himself to help tell this and other Black stories, to encourage and motivate the younger generations. His filmography, including “Son of Shaft,” “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “The Birth of Soul Music,” and more all focus exclusively on Black stories with rich historical context.
“Memphis has so much history — did anyone know that John Jones came from right here in Memphis, Tennessee? A lot of these kids look for hope and to become great and famous. And I’ve helped some of them do just that,” said Tillman.
“I’ve seen good and bad days. Now it’s about supporting our community and teaching the kids what it means to persevere, endure and not give up. I refuse to give up,” he said.
Tillman is no stranger to tragedy. As a senior in college, he suffered an injury that halted his NFL aspirations, but he went on to graduate and pursue other interests. Though he’s had a 50+ year film career, he feels he still hasn’t had his big break, but he keeps making films. And most recently, after his brother burglarized his home, stole his scripts and film footage, Tillman finds himself gradually putting the pieces back together.
“To be a champion, to be the best, you have to work hard and make sacrifices. That was embedded in me as a championship winning-athlete. When you get knocked down, you gotta get back up,” Tillman said.
A message for the people.
“That’s what keeps me going,” he said. “Knowing I’ve got this community that’s watching — ’cause they’re watching.” As are his son and two grandsons who live in Canada.
Tillman also credits his spiritual, prayerful upbringing and familial support as part of the reason for his success and drive.
“I come from a praying family — my mother and father, all my brothers and sisters. We were in church. My sister sent me a card one time that said ‘When you shine the light on others, the light shines even brighter on you.’ And I believe that,” Tillman said.
He looks forward to shining a light on “The Lucky Eleven” for the whole world to eventually see. But for now he’ll settle for a sold-out crowd Thursday at Studio on the Square, which will help fund his Fisk University Scholarship Fund.
Following Thursday’s event, Tillman plans to also screen the film in Nashville, Atlanta, Houston, New York and Washington, D.C. And one day, he wants to make this story a feature film.
But on August 17, we in Memphis will wish George W. Tillman Jr. a Happy 70th Birthday!
