Local filmmaker lauded by NAACP

Michael King's documentary "The Rescuers" has been nominated for an NAACP Image Award for outstanding documentary.

King is from New London; he graduated from New London High School in 1971 and from Connecticut College in 1975.

"The Rescuers" explores how a dozen diplomats helped save tens of thousands of Jews during World War II.

Other films nominated in the same outstanding documentary category are: "Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest" (Sony Pictures Classics); "Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey" (Submarine Deluxe); "Sing Your Song" (HBO Documentary Films); and "Thunder Soul" (Roadside Attractions).

The NAACP Image Award winners will be announced during a ceremony airing live at 8 p.m. February 17 on NBC.

King's works before "The Rescuers" include the Emmy-winning "Bangin," a 1999 PBS documentary on youth violence in America, and "Rapping with Shakespeare," a 2008 film about an English teacher who used rap and hip-hop to help students appreciate Shakespeare.