I AM SEAN BELL, Black boys speak

[Elisa Keisha]

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: http://www.vimeo.com/2691617


I AM SEAN BELL
black boys speak

WELCOME TO WILDSEED STUDIOS

A Short Form Documentary from Wildseed Films
Directed by Stacey Muhammad
Asst. Directed by Shomari Mason
Edited by: Stacey Muhammad & R.H. Bless
Principal Photography: May 17, 2008
Brooklyn, NY
Running Time 10:30

On November 25, 2006, undercover NYPD officers fired at least 50 rounds of bullets into a car carrying three UNARMED men of African American and Latino decent; killing one, SEAN BELL and seriously wounding two others. Bell age 23 was scheduled to be married on that fateful day.

Three of the five detectives involved in the shooting went to trial on charges ranging from manslaughter to reckless endangerment. All were found not guilty.

The incident has sparked fierce criticism of the NYPD as the city faces yet another murder of an unarmed African American man at the hands of those expected to protect and serve.

“I AM SEAN BELL, black boys speak” is a short form documentary from Wildseed Films that highlights the voices of young black boys between the ages of 11 and 13 years old growing up in New York City.

They speak openly and honestly about their reaction to the Sean Bell tragedy as well as their fears and hopes as they approach manhood in a city where the lives of young black men are often cut short, too often, and too soon.


About the filmmaker:

Stacey Muhammad is an award winning independent filmmaker and activist committed to using the power of media to educate, enlighten and empower humanity.

Her first film, “A Glimpse of Heaven, The Legacy of the Million Man March”, screened at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore, MD in 2005 and received rave reviews.

Since that time, the New Orleans, LA native has relocated to Brooklyn, NY and begun the work of documenting and preserving Hip Hop culture through film and digital media. Her projects include several short form documentaries including, "I AM SEAN BELL, black boys speak" as well as "Self Construction: Recording session in honor of a movement".

Stacey is currently working with other artist, filmmakers and activist whose mission it is to document our history, preserve our culture and tell our own stories.

Her latest film, "Out of Our Right Minds, The Rise of Mental Illness amongst Black Women",
is slated to be released in April 2009.

[nattyreb]

The movie is AMAZING, Sis. Muhammad is sooo talented!! It's incredibly moving, y'all check it out, i think it's about 10 of the best spent minutes you'll spend this year!! Asante sana for posting this, Sis. Elisa You are always on time!

[Elisa Keisha]

1000% AGREE with Nattyreb.

My favourite part is when the youngs kings are in circle! thats soooo strong!

I work with kids the same age, and even tho most of them come from troubling backgrounds or/and are "street" kids and sound older than their age. This boys here sound even older! but in a positive way. such understanding of reality and the will to do something is admirable and i thank the parents and educators for doin such important job!