Pilgrim, Williams get High on the Hog

US prodco Pilgrim Media has partnered with Oscar winning director Roger Ross Williams for a new documentary series exploring African American history through the influence of food.

Roger Ross Williams

High On The Hog is based on High on the Hog: A Culinary Journey from Africa to America, the book by culinary historian Jessica B Harris.

The series traces the story of a people’s survival and triumph via the food that has knitted together generations and helped define the American kitchen.

It was conceived by Williams, Pilgrim’s CEO Craig Piligian, and producers Karis Jagger and Fabienne Toback, who initially optioned the book and brought the project to Pilgrim. It will tackle slavery, the Harlem Renaissance, the march for civil rights and present day issues.

Williams was the first African-American director to win an Academy Award for his film Music By Prudence which won the 2010 Best Documentary Shorts prize.