Floyd Norman is the first African-American animator at Disney, and the subject of a terrific and heartwarming—though at times infuriating—2016 documentary, Floyd Norman: An Animated Life, which chronicles his long career in animation, his forced retirement from Disney at age 65, and why he persisted in showing up at the studio anyway.

While at Disney, Norman’s work included Sleeping Beauty, One Hundred and One Dalmatians, and The Jungle Book. He also worked on some of my favorite early cartoons at Hanna-Barbera (Josie and the Pussycats, Jabberjaw, Laff-A-Lympics, and The Smurfs, to start) and at Pixar on some of their most memorable films (Toy Story 2, Monsters, Inc., and others).

Apple’s African-American Employee Association (AAEA) held a special screening for the film shortly after its release. I was co-chair of AAEA then (with my good friend Ron Lue-Sang), and we, along with several other members, were fortunate enough to meet Norman and a few folks from the film’s creative team. He was brimming with boyish charm, with a devilish gleam and a delightful impishness. I found myself a giddy kid in his presence.

While chatting over dinner with Ron and me, Norman quickly sketched Sully and Mike from Monsters, Inc. on a napkin. I may have squealed. It was clear he still loved his work—both creating the art and seeing the joy it brings. I’m guessing that’s just as true today as it was nearly a decade ago.

That screening remains one of my favorite events I was lucky enough to host at Apple, and the film remains one of my favorite documentaries. You will be captivated by Norman’s enthusiasm and verve.

Floyd Norman: An Animated Life is available on HBO Max and The Criterion Channel.