Jack Warner Documentary Premieres in Tuscaloosa

Tuscaloosa is getting a front-row seat to history.

A new documentary highlighting the life and legacy of Jonathan “Jack” Westervelt Warner will make its world premiere on Saturday, March 28 at the Bama Theatre, shining a spotlight on one of the most influential figures to ever shape the city.

Presented by the Warner Foundation, *Remembering Jack Warner: An American Patriot* tells the story of a man whose impact stretched far beyond business. Warner helped lead Gulf States Paper Corporation for more than five decades, building it into a global force while keeping its roots firmly planted in Tuscaloosa.

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But his biggest contribution may be the one you can still walk through today.

Warner spent more than 60 years collecting American art, building one of the most respected private collections in the country. That passion led to the creation of the Westervelt-Warner Museum of American Art, putting Tuscaloosa on the map as a destination for world-class art.

His influence didn’t stop locally. His legacy reached national recognition with the Jack and Susan Warner Gallery at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, proving that Tuscaloosa’s impact can reach the biggest stages in the world.

The documentary offers a deeper look at the man behind it all, highlighting his life as a veteran, conservationist, and someone who believed art could teach future generations about the American story.

Following the screening, attendees will have a chance to hear directly from Warner Foundation Chairman Susan Warner and the filmmakers during a 30-minute talkback session.

According to the press release, Susan Warner said, “Jack was a one-of-a-kind man whose legacy lives on in the art he introduced to the world,” inviting the community to come together and celebrate his life and impact.

The event is free and open to the public, giving the Tuscaloosa community a chance to reflect on a legacy that continues to shape the city today.