A technically rough but inspiring documentary, Andrea Kalin's The Pact tells the story of three African-American friends who grew up on the mean streets of Newark, NJ and made a pledge to avoid the seductions of gang life, graduate from high school, and go on to college and medical school. Despite setbacks, the trio — Sampson Davis, Rameck Hunt, and George Jenkins — kept their word and the two physicians and dentist have not only written a book (also called The Pact) about their success but are also encouraging inner-city kids to follow in their footsteps via appearances at schools and community centers and on radio and television programs. Blending reminiscences from the men (as well as their family and friends), footage of the trio working in their professional capacities, and scenes of children and parents affected by their message, The Pact is both a tribute to hard-earned personal victory and a shining example for youngsters from similar backgrounds. A warm, uplifting documentary, The Pact is recommended for audiences in high school, colleges and universities, and public libraries.
This review was originally published on November 11, 2006 and appeared in Volume 21, Issue 6.
Director’s Bio
Andrea Kalin is the creative visionary and founder of Spark Media, a production company dedicated to crafting stories with a strong social conscience. Her films have aired on major networks around the globe, screened theatrically to sold-out audiences, and earned more than 100 industry awards, including a Prime Time Emmy, Golden Globe and WGA nominations. Andrea specializes in bringing to viewers the emotional front line where lives of courage, perseverance and dignity transcend seemingly insurmountable hardships.
Accolades
“You have no idea how well The Pact is going over with high schools…I love having kids come out so pleased with what we picked for them. HUGH SUCCESS.” Beth Radisek, FilmSlam Coordinator, Cleveland International Film Festival
“It’s heartwarming…this is a success story, where you see that the will of the individual really can overcome any odds.” Stacy Spikes, Urbanworld Film Festival
“I showed my students The Pact as a surprise, and I will never forget the expressions on their faces when they saw the three doctors and their families. Their faces showed that they finally realized “this is real.” And if the doctors are real, so are their accomplishments, their strength and their message of hope. That to me is the film’s source of power.” Tania C. Lopez, Florida International University
“I teach in an inner-city elementary school that serves students at the poverty level. I hope that by watching this, viewers (faculty and students) will see possibilities in our own neighborhood.” Kelly M. Ward, Heritage Elementary School
Awards
- Best Documentary, Boston International Film Festival
- CINE Golden Eagle Award
- Telly Award
Festivals and Special Screenings
- Cleveland International Film Festival
- Palm Beach International Film Festival
- Boston International Film Festival
- Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival
- Pan African Film Festival
- Durban International Film Festival
- Urbanworld VIBE Film Festival
- American Black Film Festival
- Twin Cities Black Film Festival
- Oakland International Film Festival
- Mount Shasta International Film Festival
- Utopia Film Festival
- ReelBlack Film Festival
- Traveling World Community Film Festival
- ReelWorld Film Festival
- Heartland Film Festival
- Harlem Renaissance Festival
- Centerpiece of Healthy Communities initiative that included viewings of the film at Magic Johnson Theaters, alongside free health fairs in underserved communities
- Selection for the Urban Film Series
- Over a hundred community screenings in universities, high schools and community centers across the United States
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Dr. George Jenkins
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Dr. Rameck Hunt
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Dr. Sampson Davis
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Malique reading The Pact
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Production Team filming in Newark, New Jersey
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The Three Doctors speaking at a community event
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The Three Doctors