Martine Chartrand (06:58)

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Chartrand rides her bike to her studio where she paints stills for an animation project. Her film, “Black Soul” depicts the trans-Atlantic slave trade. In Cuba, she explains her upbringing to an admirer.

Animation and Music (03:26)

Chartrand gives a group of school children a tour of her studio and describes her technique. She introduces the group to singer-songwriter Félix Leclerc and tells the story behind his song, "Macpherson."

Behind "Macpherson" (04:44)

Chartrand works on a scene and describes her animation schedule. An animated sequence depicts Frank Randolph Macpherson, the black logger from Leclerc's song. Chartrand explains her interest.

Logging Photography (05:44)

Chartrand takes photos of the river where Macpherson would have navigated and visits a photo gallery. She discusses black loggers with Arnold Fay.

Frank Randolph Macpherson (04:23)

Chartrand visits Leclerc family members who show her a photograph of Macpherson; he arrived in the area in the 1930s. She learns more about her subject, his herbal remedies, and racial attitudes of the era.

Macpherson's Background (06:14)

Chartrand learns that MacPherson arrived in New York in 1917. She visits McGill University and learns that Macpherson worked as a chemist, and that he lived a simple, solitary life.

Family Photo (05:05)

An animated segment depicts Macpherson preparing for dinner with Leclerc. Chartrand can relate to her subject's solitude. The Leclercs surprise her with a new photograph.

New Storyboards (06:41)

Chartrand reflects on a popular song from Macpherson's era. She finds a photo of Macpherson and the Cosmopolitan Club. She feels close to the character she is researching.

Chartrand's Childhood (05:20)

Chartrand revisits her childhood home, where she grew up with her white adopted family. She recalls racist taunts and feelings of isolation. Chartrand works on a wintry animation scene.

Formative Friendship (05:57)

Gaëtane Morin-Leclerc provides Chartrand with a tour of the home she shared with Félix Leclerc. Morin-Leclerc describes Macpherson as her late husband's first friend. Back in the studio, Chartrand depicts a pivotal moment.

Macpherson's Origins (07:34)

Chartrand navigates a raft down a Jamaican river. She visits Macpherson's old neighborhood and his school. She talks to students about Macpherson and her project.

Leclerc Remembers Macpherson (04:48)

Chartrand searches a volume of Leclerc's poetry for references to Macpherson. She cries as she reads about the men's friendship and Leclerc's reaction to his friend's death.

Macpherson Family (08:21)

Chartrand nears the end of her eight-year project. She meets Michael and Nicole Macpherson, Macpherson's great-nephew and great-niece, and other members of the family. They watch her film and share what they know about Macpherson's life.

Credits: Finding MacPherson (01:52)

Credits: Finding MacPherson