An Oscar nominee for Best Documentary Short Subject, Sami Khan and Smitri Mundhra's heartfelt but rather simplified (considering the issues it brings up) political piece was released by MTV Films. Though there is an unexpected infusion of hip-hop culture, that network's youth-trending legacy mainly manifests itself in a brief run time when the subject and controversies raised could have merited a more thorough exploration.
Local black activist Bruce Franks ran as a Democrat for the state's House of Representatives after the 2014 police killing of Michael Brown, an unarmed black man in Ferguson, Missouri. Franks' own nine-year-old brother had been slain, snatched up as a human shield in an act of St. Louis black-on-black gun violence. Franks is determined to bring the scourge up in local government—despite repeated rejections by a white Republican majority.
Franks carries quite the street cred. He has abundant tattoos and sometimes expresses his views and platform in "rap battles," one of which is shown (Franks' opponent rhymes his POV that Black Lives Matter is AWOL when it's not white cops but people of color typically murdering each other). Franks also dons a suit and tie and mix with the white elites in the starchy statehouse and a media conservative claims to be good friends with him.
Ultimately Franks' proposed legislation passes and establishes an official day in honor of his late brother. Still, one wonders whether the root causes of the fatalities have really been confronted, especially considering a very bittersweet epilogue.
The lesson taken home—hopefully—by viewers is that even a marginalized political outsider, driven by a righteous cause and sheer will, can use the American system and rise from the mean streets to elected office in a racial-powderkeg climate, to effect change.
What public and academic library shelves would this title be on?
Politics and history library shelves, especially concerned with issues of race and social justice, should make this Superman a second-string hero. Libraries with a Missouri/St. Louis regional orientation should also consider this title.
What academic subjects would this film be suitable for?
Afro-American Studies, Political Science, and current-events courses should find much interest here.
What type of classroom would this documentary resource be suitable for?
The short-subject format is an ideal one for hour-long classroom sessions and symposiums. Despite a smattering of profanity, high-school viewership is acceptable, up to the college level.
Can I purchase this film for my library, classroom, or community?
DVD $225; DSL $300; DVD + DSL - $325 /