By: Matt Emma
Producer Chris Walters and artist Mike Norice made an impactful debut in May with the premiere of their moving documentary Artfully United at the esteemed Cannes Marche du Film on May 17th, 2025. Following its debut, the film was also showcased at the Greenpoint Film Festival on August 8th, where it received a positive reception from the vibrant and artsy crowd of Brooklyn’s creative community.
Directed by Dave Benner, Artfully United is a deeply personal and heartfelt documentary that tells the story of the “Artfully United Tour” — a project that seamlessly blends Norice’s visual art with his message of faith. The film delves into Mike Norice’s life, tracing his childhood, family dynamics, spiritual journey, and growth as an artist. It offers an authentic and inspiring exploration of how art and faith can serve as meaningful tools for connection and healing.
For Chris Walters, a passionate producer committed to spotlighting purpose-driven stories, Artfully United was a natural project to take on. “When I met Mike, I knew it was going to be much more than just making a film,” Walters reflects. “It was something I felt compelled to be a part of.” Walters was particularly moved by Norice’s uplifting messages, which align with his own belief in the world’s need for more positive energy — a value he brings to all the projects he has been involved with.
The Artfully United Tour, which began in 2016, has already produced 13 murals scattered across South Central Los Angeles. Norice hopes to expand the project to include a total of 20 murals, each conveying powerful messages like Love, Unity, and Forgiveness.
The documentary has resonated with audiences due to its genuine authenticity and emotional impact. Its debut at Cannes expanded its international reach, opening doors to potentially broader exposure. Norice is eager to take the tour beyond Los Angeles, with hopes of sharing his message in other parts of the world, including in places like Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Back in the U.S., the screening at the Greenpoint Film Festival was well-received. Alongside Walters and Norice, the audience included local community members, film industry professionals from various fields, and art enthusiasts. The film was met with enthusiastic applause, followed by an insightful Q&A session where the filmmakers engaged with an audience deeply moved by the story.
“Premiering Artfully United in Brooklyn, a place with such a rich and thriving artistic scene, was a logical choice,” said Walters after the screening. “We’re incredibly fortunate to keep sharing this film with audiences who respond with the same respect and admiration we feel for Mike’s message.”
As Artfully United continues its journey through well-regarded festivals across the country, it carries inspirational themes of hope, faith, and the transformative power of art—universal messages that resonate on the world’s most celebrated artistic stages.
The film was shown at the Vacationland Film Festival in Biddeford, Maine, on August 23rd, where it won both the Audience Award and the Spirit of Action Award and was warmly celebrated locally. “It was such an honor to be recognized by the community in Maine, where I live; it meant a lot to me and my family,” said Walters. The film will next screen at the Fayetteville Film Festival in Arkansas on September 20th.
The film will have a theatrical release in Los Angeles in October and will continue its journey further into 2025. “We can’t wait to show the film publicly and continue to share Mike’s art and the message of Artfully United to the widest audience possible,” said Walters.
