G-Dog

Academy Award–winning nonfiction filmmaker Freida Lee Mock's G-Dog focuses on the work of Father Greg Boyle, a Jesuit priest who created Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles in 1988 as an employment hub for young people who are frequently categorized as being among the least desired employees (ex-convicts, gang members, youths with substantial police records, etc.). Under the leadership of Father Greg (or, as he calls himself, G-Dog), Homeboy Industries claims a 70 percent success rate in redirecting its workforce away from a violent life in crime. Father Greg also offers services including laser tattoo removal (for inked-up gang members) and classes ranging from accepting the responsibilities of fatherhood to yoga instruction. The recent economic downturn created significant problems for Homeboy Industries—in 2010, large-scale layoffs were required in order to maintain operations—yet Father Greg and his team managed to push ahead. Father Greg is an inspiring figure, and Mock does a fine job telling a feel-good story about his noteworthy mission. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)