When: 23rd February 2012, 6pm
Where: The Drum, 144 Potters Lane, Aston, Birmingham B6 4UU
£: 2.50
What is it?
The Drum presents a moving and surprising true story of three dedicated individuals, Ameena Matthews, Cobe Williams and Eddie Bocranrega, who are Violence Interrupters that try to protect their Chicago communities from the violence they once employed. With bravado, humility and even humour they use their own personal experiences and street credibility to work in the communities of Chicago, working with families to stop the spread of violence. Their work and their insights are informed by their own journeys, which, as each of them point out, defy characterisation.
Produced by Kartemquin Films, The Interrupters is directed by Steve Jones director of a highly acclaimed documentary Hoops Dreams and co-produced by bestselling Alex Kotlowitz, author of the award-winning book There are no Children Here.
The film highlights the current violence taking place in America, which we here in the UK can relate following the recent riots which gripped parts of England in the summer of 2011. The film shows how a group Ceasefire, an initiative of the Chicago Project for Violence Prevention, are trying to make a difference and reduce violence, which is similar to organisations set up in this country, such as Families for Peace and Parents against Violence.
The Interrupters made its international premiere at the 2011 Adelaide Film Festival. The film also picked up the special Jury Award at the 18th annual Sheffield Doc/Fest which is the UK’s largest documentary festival in June 2011.
More info: www.the-drum.org.uk