Chike Ozah & Coodie Simmons Announce Who is Ernie Barnes? Documentary

Filmmakers Chike Ozah and Coodie Simmons are bringing Ernie Barnes’ story to the big screen.

Barnes was the first American professional athlete to achieve major recognition as a visual artist. Barnes played five seasons as an offensive lineman with the New York Titans, San Diego Chargers and the Denver Broncos. He was also a painter whose work included “Sugar Shack,” a painting which sold for over $22 million.

In their new documentary “Who Is Ernie Barnes?“, the filmmakers known as Coodie & Chike follow Barnes’ story by drawing on his own words, rare archival footage and commentary from voices across art, music, sports, dance and entertainment — each reflecting on Barnes’ enduring impact.

The documentary is set to start screening later this month, and is presented as a three-act immersive experience. Guests begin by viewing one segment in a specially designed “theater” set that reflects a significant stage of Barnes’ career. After each screening, guests move into curated “rooms” that expand upon the chapter they have just watched, featuring exhibits and interactive experiences that highlight that period of Barnes’ life. This sequence repeats for all three segments, creating an immersive journey through his life and career.

Simmons said, “You can’t let your imagination get in the way of God’s manifestation.” He added, “I dreamed of having Ernie Barnes paintings on my walls, and then I looked up and I was documenting his artistic process in real life.”

Ozah adds, “I remember looking at his work as a kid and feeling something I’d never felt before — like I had to chase that. His art set the bar for what I thought was possible. In a lot of ways, I’ve been chasing Ernie Barnes my whole life. Telling his story now feels like a full circle.”

The show is scheduled to debut next year in Los Angeles during Super Bowl LXI, before traveling to Chicago and New York. It will return to Barnes’ adopted hometown for the LA28 Summer Olympics.

“This film shows a glimpse of Ernie Barnes’ dedication and his remarkable journey, answering why he is the most interesting and inspirational artist of the 20th century,” says Luz Rodriguez, Barnes’ longtime assistant and managing director of his estate.